It started with Dante Marini’s coming home from work with produce he had purchased from various farms during his time as a sales rep for a chemical company. His goal was to give some of his children something productive to do on the weekends and later during summer vacation.
More than 50 years later, Marini Produce is a North Wilmington staple, and from May until the end of October, customers come by to pick up fruits, vegetables, pies, prepared salads and specialty items. During the Christmas season, people flock to the store for trees, wreaths, greens and cemetery blankets. The business now includes the fourth generation of Marinis, and it continues to grow.
Business Briefing
Locations: 12121 Veale Road, Wilmington, Del. 19810
Founded: 1950
Industry: Produce
Generations: 4
Website: www.mariniproduce.com
Facebook: Norman Marini
“We’re always trying new ideas,” said Jimmy Marini, who runs the store with his brother, Danny. “We work hard, because we know it’s our business.”
Jimmy and Danny’s parents, Dante and Beebe, started Marini Produce with an assist from Dante’s father, Pasquale, who lived next door to the store. Although customers enjoy interacting with all of the Marinis, the most popular member of the Marini family is Norman, a potbellied pig with his own Facebook page.
“Customers post photos of him that they take when they come to visit,” Jimmy said. “He’s very social, and when we close at the end of the season, people want to stay in touch with Norman, so they write him notes on Facebook, and he writes back.”
Just to make sure he stays busy.
