Caputo's was one of 20 finalists selected from over 2,500 contenders by a national panel of industry leaders. The specialty food experts at NASFT then narrowed the 20 finalist down to five Gold winners who were announced at a red-carpet ceremony at the 55th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Celebrity chef Ming Tsai presented Matt Caputo, Managing Director, of Caputo's with the sofi Gold Award, a chef statue. (Photo attached Courtesy of NASFT)
"The award validates our efforts to stay ahead of the curve in making Caputo's the best specialty food market in America," said Matt Caputo. "Although we have won many local awards, this is by far the most prestigious award in our industry. However, we will not rest on our laurels now. We have so many upcoming additions to our store, which I know in less than two years will make Caputo's twice as good as it is now," he continued.
The story of Caputo's began in 1997 in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah when Tony Caputo took a risk and was the first to open his doors across the street from the infamous Pioneer Park. With his jovial attitude and dedication to authentic ingredients, Tony created a lunch spot that quickly became an institution. In 2003, with a fierce passion for the culinary traditions of Southern Europe, Tony's son Matt took over operations of the then small retail specialty foods portion of the business. Since that time Matt has tirelessly worked to expand and educate the palates of Salt Lake by introducing hundreds of cutting edge products to the market. Matt has now taken over operations of the entire company and promises to continue relentlessly improving the quality of products available to Caputo's discerning clientele. Today many independently owned businesses have sprung up around Caputo's in what is now arguably one of downtown's most vibrant neighborhoods.
The sofi Awards are given by the NASFT, a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 with more than 2,900 member businesses throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information on the NASFT, go to www.specialtyfood.com.
"The winners are exceptional examples of the importance of creativity and dedication in specialty food retailing today," said Ann Daw, president of the NASFT.
About Tony Caputo's Market & Deli
Tony Caputo's Market & Deli is focused on setting the national standard for Southern European and Regional American specialty foods. The market offers America's largest selection of fine chocolate, over 200 cheeses aged in a proper cheese cave, and much more. At lunchtime, hundreds of eager patrons line up every day for sandwiches, pastas and salads made with the industry's most cutting edge ingredients fresh from Caputo's own market.
Through the years Caputo's has become an institution, by cultivating a strong food culture in the city, state and beyond. Their selection of artisan products is second to none in the nation. The knowledge and dedication to excellence of Caputo's staff is unparalleled. Combined with the industry's most cutting edge facilities, the end result is a customer experience more likened to a gustatory adventure than a mere shopping trip."