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Our Story

Our Zacconi roots have always been in food and family. Our story began with Joe and Gina, and a community grocery store.

See how we have evolved over the decades.

Mid 1960s
Santo and Concetta (Tony’s grandparents) owned and operated a community grocery store on Bell Street.
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Late 1970s
Joe opened Caffé Italia on Preston Street.
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1981
Joe and Gina added a restaurant called “Trattoria” to the Caffe
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1987
Sala San Marco first opened its door under the ownership of Tony’s parents, Joe and Gina.

Tony Zacconi began as a busboy in 1987 when Sala San Marco first opened.
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1990
Tony worked his way up the "front-of-the-house" ladder working as a waiter, captain, and maitre’d developing a breadth of knowledge in classic table service, wines, cognacs, and sales.
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2001
Tony set out on his own and opened La Vecchia Trattoria on Preston, which quickly became one of Ottawa’s favourite Italian restaurants.
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2009
Tony purchased Sala San Marco from his parents. He has continued the Sala San Marco vision of providing the highest standard of food and service, while modernizing the brand and concept.
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2014/2018
Sala San Marco was recognized twice by Ottawa Wedding awards as ‘best venue’ for events.
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2021
Tony launches Mercato Zacconi, an Italian lifestyle market featuring fresh food, beverages, home goods as well as unique events hosted in the piazza. A Private Label of premium products curated by Tony is also now available.
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“MY FAVOURITE DISH TO SERVE… IS RED WINE.” - Tony

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. And our kitchen is the heart of the community. Join us in a celebration of food, freshness, and friends. Curated with care. Founded in family.

Keep scrolling to learn more
about our story!

OUR STORY

Our roots have always been in food and family. Our recipe for success includes community, connections and caring. Our Zacconi story began with Joe and Gina, and a community grocery store. This next chapter brings us full circle back to our roots. The Mercato Zacconi concept celebrates a passion for all things Italian – food, drink, friends, home - and brings them all together in our own market piazza, our gathering place.
Read the full story

COMMUNITY

With roots in Little Italy, Tony has always been active in the community. He has served as the Vice Chair of the Preston Street BIA, and as VP of the Canadian Italian Business Persons Association (CIBPA), Ottawa Chapter.

Tony is proud to support the local Ottawa Soccer Club, and sponsors a number of charitable fundraising galas including the Mental Health Gala and the Kidney Foundation Italian Night.

Join the Zacconi Famiglia

As our vision grows, our business grows. We believe in treating our team just like family.

Join us in becoming part of an authentic Italian market experience, in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy.

INQUIRE ABOUT OUR OPEN POSITIONS
215 Preston St
Ottawa, ON
K1R 7R1