Perrone & Sons LLC, a fourth generation, family-owned food distribution company, recently celebrated the grand opening of a new production facility in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) joined elected officials and key partners to cut the ribbon on the company’s second location in the area, which is just minutes away from its distribution center at 1604 Justin Road in Metairie.
The milestone comes on the heels of the company’s 100-year anniversary of service to Southeast Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast markets.
Founded in 1910 by Salvador Lupo (who went on to establish Central Grocery) and Bartholomew Perrone, Perrone & Sons supplied the local Sicilian population with imported Italian goods and introduced the muffuletta sandwich to the greater New Orleans region.
Over the years, the company has shifted its focus from retail to wholesale, adapting to meet the evolving needs of customers. Today, Perrone & Sons distributes a curated selection of more than 7,000 local, imported and national food products to grocery stores, restaurants and foodservice operations from Jefferson Parish.
The new facility, which represents an investment of about $1.4 million, enhances Perrone & Sons’ production capabilities and enables the growth of Progress Grocery Culinary which produces propriety lines of prepared foods for restaurants in the area.
The expansion will allow Perrone & Sons to grow its portfolio of retail and foodservice products, including its muffulettas, jarred olive salad and custom spice blends.
“This project is something that makes us proud as a company,” said Rusty Perrone, fourth-generation owner and president of Perrone & Sons.
“The Perrone family and its team have poured blood, sweat and tears into this project, and we hope that it shows. We have been aiming to grow the food production arm of our company for over a decade, and this production facility is an example of never giving up on your goals. This new facility allows us to grow our offerings, remain close to the city for fast reaction times in the event of hurricanes and natural disasters and to become more efficient in that process.”
The expansion retained 21 jobs and created about 20 construction jobs during the 7,500-square-foot facility’s renovation.
“Perrone & Sons has been a cornerstone of our community’s culinary heritage for over 100 years,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “Their expansion not only strengthens our economy but also honors the rich traditions that have shaped our regional culture.
“Furthermore, their continued commitment to Jefferson Parish reinforces the community’s reputation as a leader in the culinary foodservice industry and positions our region for continued growth and investment across the Southeast.”
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