SOFO Italian Market Celebrates 100 Years of Authentic Italian Fare in Toledo

Four generations of the Sofo family have kept their Toledo grocery stocked with high-quality Italian imports and homemade specialties.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:42pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a selection of premium Italian ingredients from SOFO Italian Market, including a wheel of Parmesan cheese, a bundle of fresh basil, and a bottle of premium olive oil, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting and shadows.SOFO Italian Market's premium Italian imports, including artisanal cheeses, herbs, and olive oil, reflect the market's commitment to authenticity and quality.Toledo Today

SOFO Italian Market, a family-owned business in Toledo, Ohio, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The market was founded in the 1920s by Italian immigrant Antonio Sofo, who saw an opportunity to supply the local Italian community with authentic foods from Italy. Today, SOFO operates three distribution centers across the Midwest while maintaining its original retail location on Monroe Street in Toledo, which is run by the fourth generation of the Sofo family.

Why it matters

In an era of corporate grocery chains and mass-produced food, SOFO Italian Market stands out as a rare example of a small, family-owned business that has managed to thrive for a century by staying true to its Italian roots and commitment to quality ingredients. The market's longevity and continued popularity among local residents and Italian food enthusiasts from across the region highlight the enduring appeal of authentic, artisanal products.

The details

SOFO Italian Market sources many of its products directly from Italy, including prosciutto, mozzarella, gelato, and Sicilian-style bread crumbs. The market's chef, Marcella Di Maria, a native Italian, develops recipes to help customers recreate authentic Italian dishes at home using SOFO's high-quality ingredients. While SOFO has expanded to include three distribution centers, its original retail location on Monroe Street in Toledo remains the heart of the business, offering a unique shopping experience focused on traditional Italian fare.

  • SOFO Italian Market was founded by Italian immigrant Antonio Sofo in the 1920s.
  • Joe Sofo Sr. opened the current retail location at 5400 Monroe Street in Toledo in 1985.
  • SOFO is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Antonio Sofo

The Italian immigrant who founded SOFO Italian Market in the 1920s to supply the local Italian community with authentic foods from Italy.

Joe Sofo Sr.

The founder of the current retail location of SOFO Italian Market, which he opened in 1985.

Marcella Di Maria

The native Italian chef at SOFO Italian Market who develops recipes to help customers recreate authentic Italian dishes at home using the market's high-quality ingredients.

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What they’re saying

“I am a native Italian. I was born there [Italy], grew up there and still have a lot of that tradition.”

— Tony Cardone, Customer

“This place is awesome. It may be a little pricey, but you pay for what you get.”

— Carl Lewandowski, Customer

“I try always to make simple recipes to show people [that] with good ingredients you can make a great meal.”

— Marcella Di Maria, Chef, SOFO Italian Market

What’s next

SOFO Italian Market plans to host a special 100th anniversary celebration at its Monroe Street location in Toledo later this year, featuring traditional Italian music, food tastings, and giveaways.

The takeaway

SOFO Italian Market's century-long history and continued success in Toledo demonstrates the enduring appeal of small, family-owned businesses that prioritize quality, authenticity, and community over corporate expansion. As large grocery chains continue to dominate the market, SOFO's commitment to its Italian roots and artisanal products serves as an inspiring example of how traditional values can thrive in the modern era.