It’s been over a year now since the iconic Fruiterie Milano celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The Italian grocery store first opened its doors in 1954, the result of two brothers’ vision after they recognized a major demand for Italian products in Montreal. Vincenzo Zaurrini and his brother Angelo quickly became a dynamic entrepreneurial duo. Vincenzo handled the business side, while Angelo focused on the merchandise.
Originally, the store’s storefront was just about 15 feet wide on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, right in the heart of Little Italy. In 2025, it spans over 150 feet. Over the years, Milano gradually took over neighboring vacant spaces, growing into the true landmark we know today.
In 2011, Vincenzo Zaurrini’s children, Celia and Mario Zaurrini, took over the family business and successfully adapted its mission. They cemented the store’s unique identity in the neighborhood, known for its authentic, high-quality Italian products.
Now a full-fledged grocery store, some still wonder where the word “Fruiterie“ in the name comes from. The very first product the Zaurrini brothers imported from Italy was radicchio lettuce. The store originally sold a selection of imported fruits and vegetables, eventually expanding to include meats, cold cuts, and cheeses. Today, Italian food lovers know exactly where to go to find new and innovative products straight from Italy.
Reportage sur la Fruiterie Milano by Radio-Canada (1989)
Article on Milano’s 65th anniversary by The Gazette (2019)
Fruiterie Milano by Wine and Travel Italy
Milano Fruit Shop-Ciao Bella by Radio-Canada (2004)
