SHARE

Sponsored Content

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, DeCicco Family Markets. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

DeCicco's Head Chef Feels Like Part Of Westchester Grocer's Family

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Joe Roscigno left his family business 16 years ago to join DeCicco Family Markets. The head chef and bakery supervisor now feels like part of the family for the Westchester County grocer.

Joe Roscigno is the head chef and bakery supervisor for DeCicco Family Markets.

Joe Roscigno is the head chef and bakery supervisor for DeCicco Family Markets.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“In the large chain grocery stores it’s all about numbers,’’ Roscigno said. “If you need anything, you have to get in touch with human resources and go through a chain of command. With DeCicco’s, I feel like I’m working for my own family. If I have a problem, I knock on Frank DeCicco’s door. It’s been like that from day one. It’s not only him, but everyone in the family. It’s a lot easier to work with people like that. You know they care.”

Roscigno worked for his family’s pastry shop before coming to DeCicco’s. With a young family, Roscigno felt the early morning hours required for baking were not conducive to a sustainable home life. He accepted a position with DeCicco’s as a deli clerk.

“I used to deliver to DeCicco’s,’’ Roscigno said. “I wanted to get to a company like them, that understands what family is all about.”

Roscigno’s role gradually expanded over time. As DeCicco’s developed its in-store and catering menus, Roscigno’s responsibilities grew.

“I was asked to take over the kitchen in Scarsdale and I said I would love to,’’ Roscigno said. “Then I was asked to help with the bakery. The supervisory part came long. They’ve always given me the opportunity and I’m happy to take it and run with them. I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Roscigno started working with food as a youngster. “My mother told me I had to help her roll meatballs before I went to play baseball,” Roscigno said. 

He has come a long way since rolling meatballs. DeCicco’s now has one of the most extensive catering and in-store menus of any supermarket in the country. Working with cheese and appetizer director Al Menzer, DeCicco’s offers take home meals and catering platters that will satisfy any appetite. Roscigno visits all of DeCicco's stores during the course of his work week.

“I enjoy coming up with new ideas and sharing ideas,’’ Roscigno said. “I like working with the people that we have here and dealing with customers and understanding their needs. We treat everyone equally. It seems like every day you learn something new. You want customers to be happy to come to your store.”

Roscigno said DeCicco’s pre-made products stand out because of freshness. “Everything we make comes right out of our produce department, meat department and deli cases,’’ he said. “It’s all in our stores. Some markets bring in frozen entrees. We make everything and we have top chefs at all of our stores. Whatever we’re selling our customers is in our hot food bars and salad bars.”

Customer service is the most important part of the job for Roscigno and the store's other employees. "We all want to make the customer happy,'' Roscigno said. "That's what the company strives for."

Just like with his own family, Roscigno knows that people want food that is fast, fresh and convenient. Pre-made options have grown significantly, and Roscigno and his team have helped DeCicco’s stay ahead of the curve.

“More and more families are now two-income families,’’ he said. “People are busy. It’s evolving even more. Now they’ll say. 'Let’s go to DeCicco’s,' and they know they’ll get a hot, quality meal. If we don’t have it, we’ll try to make it. We want to make the customer happy. If we can do it, we will.”

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, DeCicco Family Markets. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE