Here is a message to you from Renato Moiso, former longtime owner of Via Maestra and founder of food supply business All Italia Imports on Calle Cesar Chavez:
Good morning, John,
I hope you are well. Staying busy here after having sold Via Maestra almost exactly two years ago. Wow, time does fly!
I thought of sharing this news with you and perhaps the community would enjoy reading about our story as well.
It was back in 1993 when my wife, Lisa, and I started our wholesale company here in Santa Barbara, from a corner of our one-bedroom apartment. This year, “All Italia Imports” is celebrating its 30th anniversary, I can’t believe it has been 30 years that we have been proudly serving the best chefs in the tri-counties, consistently supporting them with great products and service.
It was a humble start, we had a desk, a fax machine, and an electric typewriter.
Those were the days of green cans of “Parmesan” and “Pompei” olive oil and I recall spending my days explaining what Parmigiano Reggiano or Aceto Balsamico or Prosciutto di Parma or Extra Virgin Olive Oil were, showing videos, providing samples, and seeing amazing reactions when chefs tried these products.It has been a lot of hard work, starting an import/distribution company from scratch is certainly not a walk on the beach, but with Lisa’s dedication and help from our loyal employees, everything became possible.
Among the many memories in the growth of All Italia Imports, I specifically recall Lisa nursing our babies, now 28 and 25, while sitting at her desk printing invoices…
Persistency, consistency, reliability and integrity, along with the desire to give back to the community, are a few of the key factors that kept us going strong for all these years.We truly appreciate how our presence and service have been valued by the very hard-working people in the Santa Barbara kitchens, they are truly the heroes.
We have seen so much happening in this town, met so many amazing chefs, developed strong relationships and also witnessed many restaurants coming and going…Our local restaurateurs fully understand the importance of supporting local businesses and we have been honored to be embraced and supported by our customers.
Grazie Santa Barbara for your support!
Molte grazie,
Renato MoisoAll Italia Imports
36 S. Calle Cesar Chavez #D
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805-963-3656
allitaliaimports.com
bindiusa.com
I remember hearing about Renato and Lisa from the maitre’d @ Emilio’s back in the day. Since I love to cook, especially Italian, I visited. And it’s true: Lisa behind the counter helping visitors with the right products, the toddlers toddling around the warehouse front office, and the INCREDIBLE array of foodstuffs from Italy. Well done, Renato and Lisa, thanks to you and your family, and congratulations on 30 years!
Congratulations on 30 years. I have had the pleasure of knowing Lisa and Renato 30 years now. 1993 I was the general manager of the Harbor restaurant, When Renato first came in to sell me, The rest is history. Thank you very much For everything, including your friendship.
Congrats to both of you. Your enthusiasm and appreciation of food, culture, and community continues to be a local treasure.
Award-winning Chef Kwame Onwuachi, says: ‘Food should be an invitation to joy . . .’ Grazie Lisa and Renato for not only making sure all your supplies and support are authentic, but that joy comes with every item.
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