The Story of an Icon
Family owned and operated for four generations.
A History of Tenuta’s Delicatessen: Four Generations of Family Tradition
In 1920, John N. Tenuta left Italy to seek his fortune in the United States. His dream was to open his own business… and that dream was realized when Tenuta’s Delicatessen opened its doors on April 1st, 1950.
Tenuta’s is a family-run business which started as a small corner store and has been passed down through four generations. Our store has been expanded and remodeled several times over the years, but our commitment to quality and customer service has always remained the same. Today, Tenuta’s offers a wide variety of specialty foods and merchandise and is a well-known fixture in the community and around the world.
A Chronological History of Tenuta’s Deli
1920
The Journey Begins
John N. Tenuta left his home in Italy in 1924, seeking new opportunities in the United States. With a dream of one day owning his own business, he worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.
1950
Tenuta’s Delicatessen Opens
On April 1, 1950, John Tenuta and his wife, Lydia, opened Tenuta’s Delicatessen on the southwest corner of 52nd St. and 32nd Ave., where it still stands today. The small neighborhood store sold malts, sundaes, deli meats, and a single aisle of groceries, quickly becoming a local favorite.
1950s-1970s
A Growing Legacy
As Tenuta’s gained popularity, the business expanded, offering more specialty items and Italian imports. John and Lydia’s only son, Ralph Tenuta, became deeply involved in the business, eventually becoming the face of the store. During this time, many members of the Tenuta family—including aunts, uncles, and cousins—spent countless hours working in the store, contributing to its growth and success.
1920
The Journey Begins
John N. Tenuta left his home in Italy in 1924, seeking new opportunities in the United States. With a dream of one day owning his own business, he worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.
1950
Tenuta’s Delicatessen Opens
On April 1, 1950, John Tenuta and his wife, Lydia, opened Tenuta’s Delicatessen on the southwest corner of 52nd St. and 32nd Ave., where it still stands today. The small neighborhood store sold malts, sundaes, deli meats, and a single aisle of groceries, quickly becoming a local favorite.
1950s-1970s
A Growing Legacy
As Tenuta’s gained popularity, the business expanded, offering more specialty items and Italian imports. John and Lydia’s only son, Ralph Tenuta, became deeply involved in the business, eventually becoming the face of the store. During this time, many members of the Tenuta family—including aunts, uncles, and cousins—spent countless hours working in the store, contributing to its growth and success.
1980s-1990s
A Family Tradition Continues
Under Ralph’s leadership, Tenuta’s evolved into a specialty grocery store and deli, famous for its vast selection of fine wines, spirits, imported cheeses, and Italian delicacies. The store underwent multiple expansions and renovations, but its commitment to quality and customer service remained the same. The extended Tenuta family continued to play a role in daily operations, ensuring the store’s strong family values and traditions were upheld.
2000s
A Third Generation Steps Up
In the 1990s, Ralph passed the torch to his son, Chris Tenuta, who has owned and operated the business for over 30 years. Chris carried forward the family’s dedication to high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and strong community ties. Like those before him, Chris was supported by a network of family members who helped maintain the store’s reputation and uphold its legacy.
2020
Honoring Ralph Tenuta
On January 15, 2020, Ralph Tenuta passed away at the age of 87. Though retired, he had left an indelible mark on the store, the community, and the generations to follow. His influence can still be felt throughout Tenuta’s, in both its traditions and the people who continue to run it.
2020s
A Fourth Generation Joins the Business
In the 2000s, Chris’s sons, Dan and Nick Tenuta, began working at the store. After graduating from college, both became actively involved in managing different areas of the business. While still in school, they made a commitment to run Tenuta’s together as fourth-generation owners. Today, they are integral to daily operations, overseeing inventory, marketing, and customer experience—while still making pizzas and stocking shelves just as their great-grandfather once did.
Today
A Kenosha Landmark
Tenuta’s Delicatessen has grown from a small corner store to a thriving, world-renowned specialty shop. Though it has expanded and modernized over the years, it remains a family-run business built on tradition, quality, and exceptional service. With four generations of Tenutas—and countless other family members—helping shape its legacy, Tenuta’s continues to be a beloved Kenosha institution and a must-visit destination for food lovers near and far.
2020
Honoring Ralph Tenuta
On January 15, 2020, Ralph Tenuta passed away at the age of 87. Though retired, he had left an indelible mark on the store, the community, and the generations to follow. His influence can still be felt throughout Tenuta’s, in both its traditions and the people who continue to run it.
2020s
A Fourth Generation Joins the Business
In the 2000s, Chris’s sons, Dan and Nick Tenuta, began working at the store. After graduating from college, both became actively involved in managing different areas of the business. While still in school, they made a commitment to run Tenuta’s together as fourth-generation owners. Today, they are integral to daily operations, overseeing inventory, marketing, and customer experience—while still making pizzas and stocking shelves just as their great-grandfather once did.
Today
A Kenosha Landmark
Tenuta’s Delicatessen has grown from a small corner store to a thriving, world-renowned specialty shop. Though it has expanded and modernized over the years, it remains a family-run business built on tradition, quality, and exceptional service. With four generations of Tenutas—and countless other family members—helping shape its legacy, Tenuta’s continues to be a beloved Kenosha institution and a must-visit destination for food lovers near and far.
Since 1950, people from around the world have made Tenuta’s a “must-visit” destination.
From the moment you walk in, you can tell that we’re different. It’s not just the rows and rows of carefully curated groceries. It’s not just fresh cut deli meats or traditional Italian cookies. It’s the feeling that you’re somewhere special, somewhere that takes pride in giving you the best possible experience. It’s being at a place that just feels like home.
So come on in and see for yourself. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
From the moment you walk in, you can tell that we’re different. It’s not just the rows and rows of carefully curated groceries. It’s not just fresh cut deli meats or traditional Italian cookies. It’s the feeling that you’re somewhere special, somewhere that takes pride in giving you the best possible experience. It’s being at a place that just feels like home.
So come on in and see for yourself. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
People Say the Sweetest Things
“This place is a throw back. Not a generic, homogenized place, but the kind of neighborhood store you remember from your childhood.”
“This place is a throw back. Not a generic, homogenized place, but the kind of neighborhood store you remember from your childhood.”
“This place is a throw back. Not a generic, homogenized place, but the kind of neighborhood store you remember from your childhood.”
“This place is a throw back. Not a generic, homogenized place, but the kind of neighborhood store you remember from your childhood.”
