A Family Legacy Built on Flavor
The Petrillos had eight children, and their three sons carried on the family’s culinary legacy. Among them, Angelo Petrillo stood out as a passionate craftsman of Italian cuisine. Born in Watertown, New York in 1921, Angelo grew up perfecting the art of pizza-making under his father’s watchful eye. Even during his time in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Angelo couldn’t leave the kitchen behind, serving as a cook for his fellow servicemen.
In 1960, Angelo, his wife Jean, and their two sons made the bold move westward to California. A year later, in 1961, they opened the doors of Mama Petrillo’s in Temple City. The restaurant quickly became a neighborhood favorite, serving up authentic Italian recipes straight from Italy, made with fresh ingredients and an unmatched love for food.
For decades, Mama Petrillo’s wasn’t just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot where families created memories over large, family-sized portions, hand-made sauces and bread, and our signature Italian salad dressing. The restaurant’s motto, “Memories in the Making,” rang true for every customer who walked through its doors.
A Family Legacy Built on Flavor
Angelo’s eldest son, John, carried the family torch, working at Mama Petrillo’s from the young age of 11. Like his father, John also served in the Navy, stationed aboard the U.S.S. Midway. After returning to civilian life, John and his wife Marcia expanded the family business, opening a second location in La Verne in 2001 and later launching JP’s Sports Bar in 2010. For the Petrillo family, the restaurant wasn’t just a business—it was a testament to their heritage and a gift to their community.
Pivoting Toward the Future
As the years went on, times changed, and the doors of Mama Petrillo’s restaurant eventually closed. But one thing remained constant: the love for our famous Italian salad dressing. A recipe perfected over generations, it had become a favorite among customers, who often asked if they could take a bottle home. Now, the Petrillo family has pivoted from serving meals in their restaurant to sharing their beloved dressing with the world.
Today, Mama Petrillo’s dressing is sold in supermarkets and delis across the San Gabriel Valley, bringing a taste of our family’s rich culinary tradition to homes far and wide. Whether it’s drizzled on a salad, used as a marinade, or served as a dip, our dressing continues to embody the values that started it all—quality, tradition, and family.
Looking Ahead
Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to bring Mama Petrillo’s dressing to dinner tables across the United States. We’re committed to expanding our reach while staying true to the legacy that began in a small pizzeria in Rochester, New York. With every bottle, we honor our history, our family, and the customers who’ve made this journey possible. We invite you to join us as we continue this new chapter of the Mama Petrillo’s story.
From our family to yours — thank you for letting us be a part of your table.