Alloro caters to customers’ needs

December 2, 2015 · 0 Comments

Rose Marchese, Vince Lobuglio and Donna Compagnone provide top-notch customer service and quality products at Alloro Fine Foods.
By Mark Pavilons
When you walk through the doors of Nobleton’s newest grocery store, your palate will thank you.
Alloro Fine Foods is not your typical grocery store. In fact, there’s nothing typical behind the counters of this modern store that concentrates on customer service and quality foods. There’s a lot of experience within those walls, as department managers all boast decades of experience.
As you enter the 10,000-square-foot store in the Nobleton plaza, you’re met with a splash of colour from the produce, which includes a growing organic selection. Vince Lobuglio, store manager, noted their selection is constantly changing to meet customer requests. If you’re looking for a exclusive brand of olive oil, Alloro can provide a bottle of the very best. If you’re looking for a special product, don’t be afraid to ask.
Tucked in the corner is a quaint bakery where you can find fresh breads, cakes and desserts of every description.
The never-ending meat and deli counter grabs your attention. The third generation butcher can find that perfect, one-inch-thick steak. Or try the in-house stuffed pork, roasted turkey or chicken, that goes right from the oven to the counter. All of the beef is aged to perfection. There’s a huge selection of sausages, ranging from blueberry maple to veal and lamb. The chef-made roast beef is to die for, as are the ready packed marinated meats. All you have to do is pop them in the oven and voila, dinner is served.
Lobuglio calls it “gourmet meats on the go.” It’s really making every day cooking challenges a lot easier for modern families.
Alloro also stocks a variety of fresh fish, meats from Beretta, and Mennonite chicken and turkey.
The dairy and frozen sections cater to customers’ needs as well, as they’ve been asking for more organic and gluten-free products. Alloro has introduced Miller’s Dairy line of jersey milk. Offering local products, Alloro sells Pioneer Brand Honey as well as Happy Juice.
One of the centrepieces of the store is the large, elaborate hot food section that offers a wide range of meat, pastas and salads prepared fresh daily. Look for rice balls, veal and even rabbit stew. Pizza is made to order on the spot, making it a great spot to stop for lunch, or to grab a dish on the way home after work. Enjoy their soup of the day or a cup of Lavazza coffee.
The store is expanding its offering of house brands of soups, sauces and marinades.
Lobuglio, who boasts 30 years in the independent grocery business, enjoys people and interacting with customers. It’s all about building relationships with customers and catering to their needs, he said.
That sentiment is echoed by co-owner Donna Compagnone. “Service is key,” she said, adding they’ve put together a very knowledgeable and passionate staff who will help the business grow.
Alloro is really a family affair. Joining Compagnone is her husband Aldo, along with Rose and Vince Marchese. Everyone pitches in when needed. Their knowledge of the food industry, together with offering a unique variety of products, pulls everything together in this bright, open-concept store. Compagnone gives credit to the Brand Factory for creating their image.
Quality and service always win out. At Alloro customers have both in spades.
The store is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Alloro will be holding its grand opening Thursday, Dec. 3. Handling the BBQ will be staff from Beretta Family Farms. A ribbon cutting is planned for 3 p.m.