A Northeast Ohio Italian Food Institution Calls It Quits After Nearly 70 Years

Ferrara’s Imported Foods, a beloved family owned Italian market and deli in Mayfield Heights, has permanently closed its doors after nearly seven decades of serving the community. The closure is being felt deeply across a neighborhood with deep Italian American roots. A Family Legacy Built Over Generations Brothers Alfred and Joseph Ferrara opened the store in 1959. The market became a go to destination for cold cuts, cheeses, olives, grab and go sandwiches, pizzas, and bread that earned loyal fans across generations. Ownership passed through the family over the decades. Third generation owner John Ferrara inherited the business from his uncle, Frank “Chick” Ferrara, and had been working at the market for 30 years, since he was a teenager. “Going to work was family time,” Ferrara said. The Decision to Close Ferrara was the only family member still working at the store when he made the decision to close. He described the choice as deeply personal but ultimately right. “I’m thankful for the support of the community all those years. But, it was just time. It was the right time for me,” he said. The doors closed permanently on Tuesday. What becomes of the building — which the Ferrara family owns — and the remaining inventory is still being worked out. “We’re still sorting it out,” Ferrara said. What May Live On Ferrara had recently begun selling shelf stable sauces made from authentic family recipes, including marinara, tomato basil, roasted garlic, and pizza sauce, along with a bottled version of their popular Italian dressing. Whether those products will eventually appear on grocery store shelves elsewhere has not yet been determined. The community response since the announcement has been overwhelming. “It’s very touching to me, and I’m very grateful,” Ferrara said. More information is available on the store’s website, ferraras-foods.com .