Wonderful article that talks about our history and our present store.

Discover delicious extra virgin imported olive oils and more at this locally owned business.

Photo by Mary Lou Janson

Joe and Son’s Olive Press, Tampa, FL

Family history is inspiration for new business featuring imported olive oils, infused balsamic vinegars, and specialty foods

by Mary Lou Janson | December 30, 2011

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Andrea Messina Gebbia’s great grandfather, a local grocer, most likely touched the lives of thousands of immigrants from around the world who settled in Ybor City and made Tampa their new home.
She continues that family tradition with her new business that combines the same passion for food and making friends that inspired both her grandfather and great grandfather to operate Joe & Son’s Grocery for nearly four decades.

That original shop was shuttered in 1976 but the family flair for the food business has been re-interpreted by both Gebbia and her brother, Michael Messina, who recently opened Joe and Son’s Olive Press in South Tampa.  Generations of family ties are recognized in the shop’s name as well as in the historic photos predominantly displayed on its walls.

The inviting shop features more than 50 varieties of ultra premium, imported, extra virgin olive oils, infused balsamic vinegars, specialty oils, pastas, and herb blends and spices that are locally sourced and organically grown.

Professional chefs to people who are just particular about what they eat have made this shop a must stop for stocking up on all sorts of oils and vinegars for salad dressings, dipping sauces, and marinades, plus pastas, risottos, and more.

What’s best is that you can try before you buy as well as select  the quantity—as well as controlling the cost—by filling 200 ml, 375 ml, or 750 ml bottles on site directly from the stainless steel displays, called fustis.

Shoppers use small plastic cups to draw enough liquid to easily dunk a chunk of the Italian bread thoughtfully provided that is locally baked and delivered daily. You may think that will help to decide between organic butter or blood orange infused olive oils, honey or violet balsamic vinegars, or pumpkin or butternut squash seed oils. What it most likely will mean is that you’ll leave with more than one bottle and start to make this shop a regular part of your shopping excursions.

These are not typical types of extra virgin olive oils by any means. Each container clearly displays the country of origin, crush date of the olive, and descriptions of the intensity and boldness of the taste. The purity and freshness help these oils to maintain flavor as well as health benefits.