Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Russo Italian Restaurant + Market Celebrates 124 Years of Italian Heritage, Family, and Community in West Michigan
Date: 1/8/2026
Stephanie
On behalf of Russo Italian Restaurant + Market
616-450-5003
Stephanie@GrowBusinessToday.com
From a 17-Year-Old Immigrant’s Dream to a Multi-Generational Legacy
West Michigan — 1902 was the year— Russo Italian Market proudly celebrates 124 years in business, marking more than a century of
family ownership, Italian tradition, and deep roots in the West Michigan community. The Russo story began in the early 1900s, when a 17-year-old young man, GB Russo arrived in West Michigan from Montelepre, a small village in the province of Palermo, Sicily, carrying little more than a dream — to share the flavors, culture, and specialty foods of his homeland with a growing immigrant community. What started as a humble Italian grocery has grown into one of West Michigan’s most beloved and enduring family businesses. For six generations, Russo Italian Market and now Russo Italian Restaurant + Market at Tanger Outlets has remained committed to its founding values: authentic Italian ingredients, time-honored recipes, hard work, and a deep belief in faith, family and community. From imported Italian cheeses and cured meats to scratch-made Italian Sausage, sauces, baked goods, and full-service dining. Russo’s has become a gathering place where culture is celebrated and traditions are passed down.
“This milestone is about more than years in business — it’s about honoring the courage it took for a young immigrant to start something new, and the generations of family who worked every day to protect and grow that vision,” said John Russo, 4th generation owner. “We are incredibly grateful to the West Michigan community for allowing us to be part of their family tables for 124 years.”
Today, Russo Italian Restaurant + Market continues to evolve while staying true to its roots — blending old-world Italian craftsmanship
with modern hospitality, events, and experiences that bring people together. From neighborhood grocery shoppers to families celebrating life’s biggest milestones, Russo’s remains a symbol of tradition, resilience, and connection. As the company looks ahead to the next generation, its mission remains unchanged: to honor the past, celebrate Italian heritage, and create spaces where food, culture, and family bring people together.
Current owners of the company are fourth generation, John ( Maha) Russo, their children representing fifth generation, Greg ( Stephanie), Michael, Dominic (Ashely). Plus, additional family members in our sixth generation are active in daily operation. Tanger Outlets, 84th St. SW at US131 is our only location. We are not a chain. Our family maintains the highest standards with careful, personal attention to every detail.
About Russo Restaurant & Market
Founded more than a century ago by GB Russo, a young Sicilian immigrant, Russo Italian Restaurant + Market is a multi-generational, 6 generation strong , family-owned Italian restaurant and specialty market serving West Michigan. Known for its authentic Italian products, recipes, and warm hospitality, Russo’s continues to celebrate Italian-American culture while creating lasting community connections.