For 66 years, S&T Provisions has been known as a good, old-fashioned Italian deli.
But, to be successful these days, a deli can’t be old-fashioned unless it’s also modern and uses technology to serve its customers.
That’s why S&T Provisions has a website where customers can order local delivery or nationwide shipping, and it keeps in touch with the community through social media.
Managing a small business is much different than it was in 1960, when S&T Provisions opened in Mt. Greenwood, but its recipe for success is still the same: outstanding homemade food, great service and excellent prices.
Located at 3804 W. 111th St., S&T Provisions was founded by Anthony Gaudio Sr., and he based his business on family values.
S&T Provisions was eventually owned for decades by his son, Tony Gaudio. Tony’s son-in-law, Scott Giaretta, joined the firm in the 1980s as store manager.
Tony and Scott were a great team over their decades together at S&T Provisions, and they continued the tradition of family values started by the founder.
After Tony Gaudio retired in 2017, Giaretta became owner, and the business continued to flourish as it had for decades.
In 2018, Scott’s son, Brian Giaretta, joined the firm and added modern aspects to the old-fashioned deli by establishing the store’s website and social media presence and adding nationwide shipping.
Today, Brian is the owner of the business after his father retired in December 2024 after a long successful career at S&T Provisions.
Brian, 41, is a father of five and a graduate of Andrew High School. He went on to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps for the last 22 years—and counting—and brings a variety of talents to the business.
Brian used his skills to initiate expansion efforts, and the business now has six other locations: Called S&T Too, the locations are in Frankfort, New Lenox, Shorewood, Lockport, Willowbrook, and Crown Point, Ind.
S&T Provisions is the home of the original pizza set-up that folks take home and bake to perfection. Once they try the original S&T pizza set-up, people understand why the deli has sold more than 4 million of them.
The set-ups feature a choice of fresh ready-to-bake crust in either crispy or deep dish, 12-inch or the 7-inch mini-crust, with gluten-free crusts and cauliflower crusts also available. Each set-up includes shredded mozzarella cheese, homemade Italian sausage and homemade pizza sauce. Extra ingredients such as green peppers, mushrooms and olives are also available.
S&T Provisions also features an array of homemade products. Customers can find homemade Italian sausage in mild, hot or extra hot. S&T also sells homemade Polish sausage, Irish garlic sausage and breakfast sausage.
Another of the favorites at S&T Provisions is its meatball mix, a special recipe ready to be rolled into meatballs and cooked by customers at home.
The deli also sells its famous Italian roast beef that is lean and thinly sliced. And many Mt. Greenwood families enjoy S&T’s fresh ground chuck.
Others are partial to the exquisite homemade lasagna or spaghetti sauce. Each batch is made fresh using only the finest ingredients.
For another Italian dining treat, ravioli, tortellini, gnocchi, manicotti and stuffed cabbage rolls are available. Cheese and tomato products are also available.
The store is also popular because of its convenience. Customers can stop by and quickly buy milk, bread, lunchmeats and salads.
Another convenience is the personal service customers receive from the S&T staff. They can assist with any order, and they have helped countless residents prepare for parties of all kinds.
In addition to serving customers, S&T takes equal pride in being a family business that serves the community.
Brian led the efforts of S&T Provisions to host community events that brought local residents together for fun promotions that also supported local businesses.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, S&T hosted two raffles that raised $600,000 that was directly given to more than 60 local businesses to help keep them open.
In a promotion for the deli’s Thanksgiving food drive, S&T sent residents on scavenger hunts looking for a golden ticket, much like the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The winner received cash prizes or gift certificates to local businesses.
It also supported “9Teen Strong,” based on the classic version of Monopoly in which 19 retail businesses from the 19th Ward offered customers the opportunity to win hundreds of dollars by simply making a purchase.
Family values continue to guide S&T Provisions.
“Our motto is to give our customers a top-quality product at a reasonable price,” Brian said. “Our customers are the best in the world, and they have shown their appreciation by helping us be in business for 66 years. We’re proud to be in Mt. Greenwood, and we thank our customers for their support.”
S&T Provisions is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, to order local delivery or nationwide shipping, call S&T Provisions at (773) 238-5990 or visit the website at sandtprovisions.com.
