Di Bruno Bros., which has been a staple in Philadelphia for 85 years, recently received investment from former mayoral candidate Jeff Brown, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

While the size and scope of the investment is unclear, it is confirmed that an entity owned by the Brown family has become a secured creditor of the specialty grocer and aims to take the iconic specialty food retailer to the “next level.”

Di Bruno Bros. is known for its high-end Italian imports, array of cheeses, and gourmet gift boxes.

Since getting its start in South Philadelphia, Di Bruno Bros. has grown into a chain with five shops around the region and a robust e-commerce program.

The Browns said they intend to leverage the “retail experience, technology acumen and systems at Brown’s to create a new entity that is financially resilient and builds upon the exceptional quality and customer experience” at Di Bruno.

In addition to its initial South Philly location, the company also has retail locations in Rittenhouse Square, the Concourse at Comcast Center, and the Franklin Residences in Washington Square West.

Brown is the founder of Brown’s Super Stores, which owns and operates 10 ShopRite locations and two Fresh Grocer stores in the Philadelphia region.

Read more about the Brown family’s financial backing of Di Bruno Bros. at the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in April 2024.