Our History

First generation:

Salvatore, "Sam" Lumetta, A World War I veteran arrived in America via Ellis Island in 1903. Salvatore migrated to Detroit's east side where he planted roots with his family. He provided for his family by selling produce door to door with a horse and buggy for many years.

 

Second generation:

Salvatore had a son named Jerome, "Big Jim", Lumetta who took his fathers business to the next level. In 1939 he decided that in addition to selling door to door he would sell his produce to local restaurants. Jim Lumetta built a very lucrative business until his life was cut tragically short; Jim suffered an aneurysm at the age of 41. At the time of his father's death, 16-year-old Salvatore had one option; go to work on Monday to help feed his mother and three sisters.

Third generation:

Salvatore (Sam Sr.) proudly grew his company over the years servicing all types of food service organizations. In 1963 Sam Sr. operated one delivery truck, by the late 1990's he had six delivery vehicles on the road and a staff of 12 employees.  Sam Sr. sold everything needed to operate a restaurant, from a case of Lettuce to a case of New York Strip steaks.  Service was always paramount with Sam Sr., his motto was, "We have a trade that Service Made".



Fourth generation:

Salvatore's two sons Sam and Jim took great pride in helping the family with their business, from a very early age they learned to respect and value the meaning of a hard days work. Sam & Jim learned every aspect of the business from sweeping the floor to making sales calls. By the beginning of the 21st century Sam Sr. was ready to step aside to let the new generation take the helm of the family business.

 

In January 2006, the Lumetta Brothers did just that. The Lumetta Brothers decided early on they needed to focus on what the company did best, sell and distribute produce. Concentrating on a specified product line (fresh produce) has proven to be a winning strategy.


"Perfecting produce since 1903" ,The Lumetta Brothers continue to operate the business, with the 5th generation beginning to take shape.



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