Chicago Family's Giardiniera Recipe Becomes City's Beloved Condiment

Caruso Provisions brings their signature pickled vegetable blend to stores across 30 states.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:50am

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The Caruso family in Chicago has turned their generations-old giardiniera recipe into a booming business, with their signature pickled vegetable blend now available in over 1,000 retailers across 30 states. Led by matriarch Karen Caruso, the family-run operation includes her sons Peter and Dominick and daughter Gina, who all played a role in modernizing the recipe and launching the brand during the pandemic.

Why it matters

Giardiniera is a beloved Chicago condiment, and the Caruso family's version stands out for its unique olive oil blend. As a family-owned, values-driven business, Caruso Provisions represents the entrepreneurial spirit and culinary traditions that have long defined Chicago's food culture.

The details

The Caruso family's giardiniera recipe has been passed down for generations, with Karen Caruso learning the process from her Italian grandparents. The blend includes four different peppers, spices, and an olive oil blend that sets it apart from other store-bought versions. During the pandemic, Karen's sons Dominick, Peter, and daughter Gina decided to turn the family tradition into a business, with Dominick refining the recipe, Peter handling marketing, and Gina managing social media. The family's patriarch, Charles, even serves as the delivery driver.

  • The Caruso family has been making their giardiniera recipe for generations.
  • The family decided to launch Caruso Provisions as a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Caruso Provisions' giardiniera is now available in over 1,000 retailers across 30 states.

The players

Karen Caruso

The matriarch of the Caruso family and the owner of Caruso Provisions, Karen learned the family's giardiniera recipe from her Italian grandparents.

Dominick Caruso

Karen's son, who left his chef job in New York to return home and help refine the family's giardiniera recipe for the Caruso Provisions business.

Peter Caruso

Karen's son, who handles marketing and business development for Caruso Provisions.

Gina Caruso

Karen's daughter, who manages the social media and digital presence for Caruso Provisions.

Charles Caruso

The patriarch of the Caruso family, who serves as the delivery driver for the family's giardiniera business.

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What they’re saying

“It is a blend of four different peppers for us, spices, olive oil blend. … Carrots, celery, cauliflower. I think what separates our product from the others that are on the shelf is the olive oil blend.”

— Karen Caruso, Owner, Caruso Provisions

“My dad's family, full blooded Italian. My mom's dad, full-blooded Italian. But her mother was German Polish. So, it wouldn't be just Italian. We'd eat sauerkraut and pork chops, and whatever, but giardiniera was always on table.”

— Peter Caruso

“Everybody thought we were crazy, but we feel that giardiniera belongs everywhere.”

— Peter Caruso

What’s next

Caruso Provisions plans to continue expanding distribution of their giardiniera to more retailers across the country, bringing their family's signature Chicago condiment to new markets.

The takeaway

The Caruso family's success in turning their generations-old giardiniera recipe into a thriving business highlights the enduring appeal of family-owned, values-driven food brands that celebrate local culinary traditions. Their story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and community pride that define Chicago's vibrant food culture.