Business Profile: Corti Brothers — Sacramento Italian American Grocery
A Sacramento Italian American Institution
Founded in 1947, Corti Brothers is one of California’s most respected Italian American gourmet markets. The store became famous for importing authentic Italian products long before they were common in the U.S.
Business Profile: Mona Lisa Italian Foods — Little Italy San Diego
Few businesses better represent Italian American San Diego than Mona Lisa Italian Foods in Little Italy. Founded in 1956 by the Costa family, this market began as a small neighborhood grocery serving Italian immigrant families working in San Diego’s tuna fishing industry.
Today, Mona Lisa remains family-owned, making it one of the last authentic Italian American businesses tied directly to Little Italy’s historic roots.
From my personal perspective, Mona Lisa is one of my favorite restaurants and delis in San Diego — not just Little Italy. I eat there often and regularly shop their market for imported Italian foods. It’s one of the few places that still feels like a traditional Italian neighborhood deli, and that authenticity is a big part of why I keep going back.
The famous deli counter — often with a line out the door — has become a San Diego institution.
In addition to food, Mona Lisa also functions as a mini Italian market and gift shop, selling souvenirs and Italian-themed items — perfect for visitors who want to bring a piece of Little Italy home.
A Legendary Italian American Family Business in Los Angeles
An Italian American Landmark in California
Few businesses better represent Italian American entrepreneurship in California than San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles. Founded in 1917 by Italian immigrant Santo Cambianica, the winery began as a small family operation dedicated to bringing traditional Italian winemaking to Southern California.
More than a century later, the business is still operated by the Riboli family, making it one of the longest-running Italian American family businesses in the state — and the last remaining historic winery in downtown Los Angeles.
This is the classic Italian American story: immigrant founder, family ownership, generational growth, and deep roots in the local community.
Surviving Prohibition — The Italian American Way
When Prohibition shut down wineries across the country in the 1920s, most Los Angeles wineries closed permanently. San Antonio Winery survived by producing sacramental wine for the Catholic Church, allowing the family business to continue operating when others disappeared.
That decision preserved not only a business — but a piece of Italian American history in Los Angeles.
A Multi-Generation Italian American Family Business
After founder Santo Cambianica, the winery passed to his nephew Stefano Riboli, who expanded operations with his wife Maddalena. The family later added tasting rooms, restaurants, and new vineyards while keeping the original Los Angeles location active.
Today, multiple generations of the Riboli family remain involved, continuing a tradition of:
Family ownership
Italian winemaking traditions
Community involvement
Hospitality and food culture
Expansion without losing identity
This multi-generation model reflects a hallmark of Italian American business culture.
What You’ll Find There Today (2026)
San Antonio Winery is more than just a winery — it’s an Italian American cultural destination. Visitors can enjoy:
Wine tasting room
Italian restaurant (Maddalena Restaurant)
Italian gift shop
Event spaces
Historic exhibits
Family-run hospitality
The winery produces numerous California wines and operates vineyards in Monterey County, Napa Valley, and Paso Robles, while maintaining its historic Los Angeles headquarters.
Why This Business Matters to Italian California
San Antonio Winery represents:
Italian immigrant entrepreneurship
Catholic and community roots
Family-owned legacy business
Italian American hospitality culture
California agricultural heritage
Survival through adversity
It is not just a winery — it is one of the oldest continuously operating Italian American businesses in Southern California.
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