Samuels Seafood

When my grandfather Guiseppe started the business, his inventory was brought in every morning and sold at the end of every day. A fish monger with a dream, he pushed his products through the streets of Philadelphia, working long days and nights catering to his customers. Guiseppe learned the ways of business in America, and as his business grew, so did his family. Guiseppe, his wife Concetta, and his four children, all worked hard together. As the profits grew, “Mr. Joe” as the customers called him, began to improve his company.

A horse and wagon followed the push cart, and the wagon grew larger handling a varied selection and greater quantities. He not only was able to buy better with the increased sales, but was able to better service his customers by buying another horse and wagon for quicker deliveries. Two horses became three, and the wagons became the latest in modern technology, the truck.

My mother Rose, being the oldest child, managed Guiseppe’s first store on 13th and Dickinson. As my grandfather developed the streets, his daughter developed the walk-in trade at the store. Slowly, Mr. Joe began to see the true potential of expansion. At the young age of 13, Rose was able to buy and sell for her father, eventually running the business at the corner store. As the business prospered and grew in the 40′s and 50′s, again so did our family. We all helped with the work, no one was exempt. All of our cousins, uncles and aunts were deputized at Christmas, and that’s where