Who We Are
Late 1950’s
Humble Beginnings
Italo Merante began his first Italian grocery store with his brother Salvatore Merante on Frazier St. in South Oakland, PA. This was a time when Italians were immigrating to South Oakland and working hard to obtain a better life in America, while holding their Italian traditions. They worked very hard and diligent, and became successful. They moved to Uptown in 1962 and continued to operate Merante Bro’s Market.
1979
Bates + McKee
At the same time Italo fell in love with his wife Philomena. They began their family of seven children. Working very hard and raising the family eventually brought them to the current store location between Bates and McKee in 1979. Some of the children were excited to take part in the new family business adventure. It began to carry on the family legacy and dream of the little Italian store on the corner.
Today
Pittsburgh Love
As it is now, we take tremendous pride in serving the Italian and Pittsburgh communities to the best of our ability. We have immense love for our heritage and Pittsburgh and we will never stop sharing the knowledge and passion that we have.