History

La Cucina European Market and Delicatessen

The Mendonça Family are the original owners and operators of Penticton La Cucina European Market and Delicatessen. Manuel and Filomena Mendonça were both born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal and where the couple were married in 1959. Within weeks after their wedding Manuel moved to Canada to start and set up a life for he and his wife who waited for him back in Portugal. In 1960, Filomena joined him in Kitimat, BC and they started their family. Over the next few years the Mendonça Family would often vacation in the Okanagan while visiting other family in Osoyoos. Their love for the Okanagan weather, scenery and as well as a business opportunity would have them move their family to Penticton, BC.

The Mendonça family has owned and operated a business at 1204 Main Street for the past 45 years. Manuel and Filomena bought this business in December 1973, originally known as Penticton Food Market, a convenience corner store and gas bar. Penticton Food Market was in operation by Manuel and Filomena along with the help of their sons Rui and Carlos for many years. In December of 1993, Carlos went into business with his father and converted Penticton Food Market into Penticton La Cucina European Market and Delicatessen. "La Cucina" has been providing customers in the Okanagan speciality European products ever since.

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