Big John’s: Tasty Goodness at a Reasonable Price
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start with menu and party planning. Trying to make this year’s event even better than last? Or maybe it’s your first year at entertaining? If you’ll be hosting any time at all, I’d recommend you turn to Big John’s PFI for some over-the-top help and suggestions without an over-the-top budget.
Big John’s may well be one of Seattle’s best kept secrets, but locals in the food industry have long relied on it for reasonably priced Italian and Mediterranean products, offering excellent quality with a neighborhood attitude. Besides serving up great food products, Big John’s also services up great information and advice on how to make your next event one that everyone will be talking about.
Big John’s gets its name from “Big John” Croce who started the business (then operating as Pacific Food Importers) in 1971, operating out of the back of his car. He sold imported olives, olive oil and cheeses to area restaurants, eventually adding on additional Mediterranean foods. After he set up a wholesale warehouse he had customers pounding on his door, and as a result he opened the warehouse to retail shoppers one day a week. A couple of moves later and Big John’s settled into the retail side of things with their current location just south of the International District.
What will you find at Big John’s — a commitment to delivering the highest quality at the best price, along with a charming “old world” approach to cooking. The product assortment is far too extensive to list, but here are a few always-favorite items: olive oil, bulk herbs and spices, dried pasta, gourmet items, specialty ethnic products, and a cheese list that is to die for! If you’re looking for a specialty item that you still haven’t be able to locate, give Big John’s a try.
If you’re struggling with menu ideas, the helpful in store personnel are quick to help with suggestions that take into account your level of cooking experience. You can also check the recipes online for ideas.
Big John’s is also a great spot to pick up fixings for a gourmet picnic in your hotel room, in front of a fireplace, or to take with you on a ferry ride or road trip.
Location: 1001 Sixth Avenue South, Level B (map). It’s the back of an industrial park, so you’ll need to drive to the back and look for the green, red, and white awning.
Hours: Monday, 9 am-5 pm; Tuesday – Friday, 9 am-6 pm, Saturday, 10 am-4 pm. Closed on Sunday.
Social media: Big John’s can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@bigjohnspfi)
Photo credit: PhotoXpress
