Del Monaco Foods-History

HISTORY
Our family heritage has deep roots in the food business. Our father, Michael, worked as a child
in his father's restaurant in his native country, Italy. As a young boy he had a dream to move
to America and open many restaurants. In his early twenties, Michael met our mother Ernestine
while stationed in Italy as an American soldier (long story). They moved to America with only
$100 in their pocket and married in Lake Tahoe California.

It wasn't long before Michael and Ernestine opened many restaurants sharing their unique style
of Southern Italian cooking in the South Bay Area of San Francisco California. They became
known for the best Italian food and other food concepts including the successful fine dining
restaurant, Anthony's Pier 9. In addition, Michael knew the importance of centralized control
over the most prized restaurant business assets, the food, and in the late 70's opened a
central kitchen. This provided quality, consistency and food safety to every restaurant he
owned and operated; this was one of the greatest reasons for the success of each location
and continued growth.

Vic and Tony began working in the family business when they were children as a dish washer
and a pasta maker. Their passion for the food industry grew while learning every facet of the
business from the ground up. In the early 90's Vic started a quick service restaurant concept
and opened over 30 locations in three years.

In 1998, Michael decided to sell his restaurants and focus on providing the same central
kitchen benefits to the rest of the foodservice community. Tony joined Michael to start Del
Monaco Specialty Foods which was quickly recognized as a successful, fast growing custom
food manufacturer with very high standards.

By the end of 2003, Vic sold his restaurants and joined Tony and Michael...

"Today, we are carrying on the legacy of our father who passed away in the summer of
2006. His spirit lives on as Del Monaco Specialty Foods continues to grow and prosper. We
welcome you to the family of Del Monaco Specialty Foods and hope that you, too, will enjoy
the success that Del Monaco Specialty Foods has to offer." - Vic and Tony Del Monaco