Tucked away in the heart of Wyomissing, the aroma of fresh-baked bread, imported cheese, and authentic Italian coffee invites visitors to indulge in a little slice of heaven on earth: Russo Gourmet Foods & Market. The Grande family has carefully cultivated this hub of Italian culture since 1995, providing the authentic ingredients and guidance that help Berks County families create their own memorable meals and traditions. But what happens when the unexpected occurs? Through tears and tradition, determination and dedication, the next generation of Grandes has found their way forward after the unexpected loss of their father—honoring his vision while writing the next chapter of their family's story. Join us as we explore how they've navigated one of life's most profound changes while keeping the heart of Russo's beating strong.

At Russo Gourmet Foods & Market, family and business have always been connected. The Grande children found their natural places within the family's enterprises, creating a balanced system where each member contributed according to their strengths. While Sabrina’s sister Laura took charge at Grande Construction with their youngest brother, Fabrizio—another family business that continues to thrive—Sabrina, her older brother Gianfranco, and her husband Michael established their home base at Russo’s, focusing on developing new product lines and expanding their market offerings. And Mr. Grande was always at the helm, setting the vision.

This harmony of roles had become second nature—until everything changed.

When Mr. Grande passed away suddenly in November of 2022, the family faced not only the emotional devastation of losing their father but also the practical challenges of continuing the businesses he had built. There had been no formal succession plan because, as Sabrina explains, practically, "You never think about death.”

The absence was felt everywhere—in the daily operations, in decision-making and in the very spirit of the place. Mr. Grande had been the driving force, the one who, as Sabrina recalls, always had the “first say." He was constantly thinking, constantly planning, always with an eye toward the future.

For the Grande children, grief came with responsibility. The business couldn't pause while they processed their loss. Customers still came through the doors. Suppliers needed orders. Employees looked for direction.

Unlike some family businesses where the founder's passing leaves a leadership vacuum, the Grande children had been deeply involved in operations for years. They had already been running departments, implementing new ideas and driving growth initiatives, giving them the foundation they needed to continue even in their father's absence.

This deep involvement proved to be their salvation. Although they'd lost their father's guidance, they hadn't lost his teachings or his example. The knowledge, work ethic and passion he had instilled in them became the foundation for moving forward—not just to preserve what he had built, but to grow it in ways that would make him proud.

The Grande family found themselves in uncharted territory, awash with personal grief while still flooded with professional responsibilities. What carried them through was a combination of preparation, unity and the values their father had impressed upon them throughout their lives.

"We were all in one shared space, one big, mostly happy family," Sabrina says with a smile. "My father had built us to be resilient; he had always been teaching us, even when we didn't realize it was happening."

This division of labor proved crucial in the aftermath of his passing. Rather than floundering without direction, each family member stepped more fully into their established roles, drawing on their father's example while also bringing their own insights and innovations.

The family also benefited from the strong relationships they had cultivated throughout the community. "My dad always told us that your word is all you have," Sabrina recalls. "Those connections he built over decades of honesty and quality service became a support network for us."

For other family businesses facing similar challenges, the Grandes' experience offers valuable lessons. "The more realistic you can be, the better you'll be when they're not here," Sabrina advises. "Planning for uncomfortable situations is hard, but it's reality." She emphasizes the importance of having clear documentation and open conversations about succession, however difficult those discussions might be.

The experience also taught them about their own capabilities. The realization that their father wouldn't be there to solve problems or offer guidance anymore was initially daunting, but ultimately empowering. In this new reality came a different kind of strength—the understanding that they could indeed carry on his legacy, not just by maintaining what he had built, but by growing it in ways that honored his memory.