The story of Vendetti's revolves around its founder: Carlo Vendetti. Carlo was born May 8th, 1926 in Frosolone, Italy. Before the age of 10 he moved to Fairmont, WV, a town known for its pepperoni rolls.  A few short years later he signed up for the Army to fight in WWII.  After receiving a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, Carlo came back to Fairmont in 1946.  Although he was a man of many talents, his love of community and helping others eventually led him to the beginning of his food industry venture. In the 1950's he opened Vendetti and Sons Italian Wholesale in Highland Park, MI, alongside his father Filippo and brother-in-law. 

 

Soon after moving to Michigan, Carlo fell in love with and married a Detroit native, Beverly. Together with their four children Deborah, Carol, Dino and Lee Ann, they moved to Shelby Township, MI. It is there that they decided to open Vendetti's Pizza House in 1968. Vendetti's quickly became a fixture in the community. Carlo combined his knowledge of Italian meats and cheese with a unique dough to create his own signature sandwich, the Spanky.  The Spanky quickly  gained a huge following over generations.

 

Vendetti's is a family company to its core and always has been with the help and support of all family members, including Carlo's children as well as extended family. Carlo's love for family was mirrored only by his passion for community shown through strong involvement in many local organizations and charities. In 1990, the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year. 

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Carlo's passion for food and bringing joy to the community has endured for three generations and over 50 years of business. Though Carlo passed away on January 10th, 2018, his legacy is carried on through his children Dino and Carol in their venture of  Vendetti Food Group along with Carol's daughter Jillian.