Our Story: “Food&Family”

If you can’t see the video above or are having trouble viewing it, click here.

Meet:

Papa Charlie

Pursuing the American Dream, Papa Charlie launched his business in 1981, bringing an unwavering dedication to perfection and attention to detail to every aspect of the company. But before he could turn the corner of success, he died at 48 from a terrible illness – leaving behind a wife and four children with a warehouse of equipment and accompanying bills, and no way of paying for it. He also left behind a legacy of determination and Italian family values that would help Momma, Joe, and Chris persevere and succeed. (Of course, not without a few rough spots along the way.)

Momma

In the mid-1980s, Momma was backed into a corner. The company’s largest customer took its business to a cheaper meat manufacturer. The banks had turned her down. And the family thought Papa’s dream was over. So Momma did what any good Italian mother would do. She cooked. And cooked. And cooked. One roast at a time. All the family members pitched in to paste the labels onto the packaging by hand. Joe and Chris called on every grocer and Italian restaurant in Chicago. And Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef Company was born. (Don’t ever back Momma into a corner.)

Son Joe

Younger brother Joe eventually took over from Momma to become the CEO. He inherited his dad’s fierce determination and will to succeed – and his attitude to never, ever compromise on quality in any area of business or life. He expects others to act the same way. As a result, Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef remains the gold standard for any Italian Beef maker in the U.S. Taste it once, and you’ll instantly tell the difference. Just like his father, Joe also believes in family. And to him, every customer is like family. “And you always take care of family.” Click to see what he means.

Son Chris

Chris is the oldest and runs the kitchen plant. He is Vice President. He ensures the Italian Beef is made the same way it’s been made for generations: one roast at a time. It’s Chris’ job, really, to protect the family by producing the perfect beef for every package. After all, it could end up in Momma’s freezer to be eaten at a family gathering. Do Chris and Joe always agree on how to run the company? Of course not. Let’s just say Chris would handle certain situations a little differently.