OUR STORY
The Whole Story
At Polpetti Market & Catering, we believe that food is more than just sustenance; it's a way to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. Our passion for good food done well is rooted in the rich tradition of Italian cuisine, passed down through generations of the Riccobono family.
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Peter and Georgia Riccobono, partners in life and business, bring over 50 years of combined experience to the table. Peter honed his skills as the Executive Chef of La Gondola, a well-known Italian restaurant in Trenton, NJ, before moving on to manage major events for clients such as the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Institution. Georgia's expertise in food service and event planning spans a range of roles, from corporate meeting planner to Whole Foods Market Team Leader.
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For Peter, the inspiration behind Polpetti Market & Catering runs deep. His great-grandfather, Portobello, immigrated from Puglia, Italy and opened El Dorado, a restaurant in New York City.
For three generations, the family worked tirelessly to bring joy to their patrons through delicious, homemade Italian cuisine. It was here that Peter's father, Vinny, learned the family secrets and traditions that he later passed on to Peter and his siblings. Today, we continue to draw inspiration from those cherished memories and recipes, bringing them to life in Richmond, VA.
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At Polpetti Market & Catering, we believe that every meal should be an experience to savor. Whether you're planning a small dinner party or a large-scale event, we can help you create a menu that delights your guests and leaves a lasting impression. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your special moments.
Family Ties
Polpetti Market & Catering has been a dream almost a century in the making.
​Peter's rich family history and Italian heritage spans the globe from Puglia, Sicily and Calabria to Brooklyn and has now taken root here in Richmond, VA.
​The Riccobono tradition of fine Italian foods began when their great grandfather Portobello immigrated from Puglia and opened his restaurant El Dorado on West 37th Street in New York City with the $12,000 he saved to make his dream come true.
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Three generations worked in the restaurant bringing full bellies and smiles to everyone who entered. Patrons were much more than customers, they were family. It was here that Peter's father, Vinny learned the family secrets and traditions that he later passed onto Peter and his siblings. It's not a surprise that 3 out of Vinny's 6 children all went on to become professional Chefs.
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It is from these cherished memories, traditions and handed down recipes that Peter & Georgia draw their inspiration and desire to share them with RVA.