Sendik's Food Markets

The History of Sendik's

At the turn of the twentieth century, the Balistreri Family of Santa Elia,
Sicily immigrated to the United States and settled in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. The family began peddling quality fruits and vegetables by
horse drawn wagon on the northeast side of the city and eventually
opened fresh produce markets on Oakland and Downer Avenues in
Shorewood. They called their stores “Sendik’s”.

In 1949, Thomas Balistreri, purchased property and opened a third
Sendik’s fruit and vegetable market on Silver Spring Drive in the heart of
Whitefish Bay. The store became known for honesty and integrity in
treating customers and suppliers with courtesy and respect. The
business flourished. Before long, Tom was joined in the business by
his two sons, Ted and Tom, Jr. and, in the early 1970’s, the brothers
took over the operation. In 1975, the store expanded to include
groceries, meat, deli, dairy, bakery and wine and spirits. During this
time of growth the store’s reputation for quality products and customer
service grew drawing customers from all over Milwaukee and
surrounding communities.

By the turn of the Twenty First Century, a new generation of owners was
ready to take their turn at running the business. In 2001, Tom, Jr., sold
his interest in the Whitefish Bay Sendik's to Ted’s sons, Ted, Patrick
and Nick. The three brothers, along with their sister, Margaret, have
continued the expansion of the business and now own and operate the
Sendik’s stores in Whitefish Bay, Wauwatosa, Mequon, Grafton, Elm
Grove & Franklin with Greenfield & Germantown coming in 2008.
Together they carry on the tradition set by Grandpa Balistreri of
combining quality products with exceptional customer service to offer
unparalleled value in the marketplace.

The name Sendik’s is derived from a simple misunderstanding. As
new immigrants to America, the family needed to acquire many
household items. While attempting to purchase a stove, Great
Grandpa Balistreri, through broken English and a thick Italian accent,
asked the sales clerk to “send it” to him. To the salesman, it sounded
like Great Grandpa was saying “Sendik” which is the name that was
written on the order. When the stove arrived, the delivery person asked
some neighbors where he could find “Mr. Sendik.” They pointed him in
Great Grandpa’s direction because they knew he was expecting a
stove. Great Grandpa became known as Mr. Sendik and the rest is
history.

From humble beginnings, the Balistreri family continues to build on the
foundation laid down by the founders so long ago. The tradition of
providing quality products and exceptional customer service remains
the hallmark of Sendik’s Food Markets.

Sendik's Food Markets

Whitefish Bay - Wauwatosa - Mequon - Grafton
Elm Grove - Franklin - Greenfield