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Carlo Firato and Sons Delicatessen
a San Jose tradition established in 1922
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Journey back to the turn of the 19th century, a time before the airplane, radio and the widespread use of the automobile. It was a time when the American Dream was real and life was very hard.
In 1910, at age 16, Italian immigrant Carlo Firato left his hometown of Penango, Italy, sailing aboard the ship La Provence to arrive alone and penniless at Ellis Island. What he did carry across the ocean were his family recipes, which were many generations old even back then.
The American Dream for Carlo was to take the flavor of his culture to the New World, but it would take time and much hard work.
His destination was Oakland, California, where a distant cousin lived. With the American entry into The Great War (world War I) in 1917, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his new country. A generation later, his two sons Ray and Sonny (Al) would follow in their fathers’ path during World War II as part of The Greatest Generation.
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The growing Italian community in San Jose embraced the little store at 28 East Santa Clara Street, wisely located in the very center of town. Adjacent was the ornate Victorian-style San Jose Safe Deposit Bank, which in 1926 was demolished and rebuilt by A. P. Giannini as the magnificent Bank of Italy building, now known as the Bank of America.
In the mid 1920’s the landmark RAVIOLI sign was erected, which proudly still stands today. Although dimmed since 1977, that beautiful art-deco sign is part of the historical essence of the San Jose Downtown District. Carlo, his wife Solina and their sons with their children operated the family business for over 55 years with authentic Italian flair and their delicious food. Now, the Firato Brothers continue in the footsteps of their grandfather and father, remebering the story of their family and legendary Delicatessen. Their pride in their famous Ravioli and that distinctive sign taught them a commitment to excellence that each of them continues to practice in their own businesses to this day, and for future generations to come.
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