Founders: Tom Cook and Johnny Cook
Opened Brick-and-Mortar Store in November 2022
- Location: 235 Cabarrus Avenue East | Concord, NC 28025
- Offers gourmet sandwiches and delicacies inspired by old school New York-style delis, pre-made Italian meals to-go, and a specialty market of high-quality imported ingredients, Italian goods, and beer and wine
Cabarrus Center Resources Utilized
- Start-up Support | Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) | Flywheel Foundation
- Cabarrus Chamber Membership
Entrepreneurial Journey
- Tom Cook and Johnny Cook have previous careers as English teachers, but shared a passion for food because of their experience growing up in an Italian-American family.
- Over a decade ago, Tom started Mistretta’s Italian Catering to cook homemade meals for friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.
- Tom had a dream of opening an Italian deli with a focus on family and community. His passion for food is inspired by his multi-generational Italian-American family who taught him to start cooking for the family at 15 years old.
Turning Dreams to Reality
- When the property on Cabarrus Avenue became available in 2022, Tom visited the space and immediately knew it was the right fit. Knowing their need for resources, connections, and support, Tom and Johnny walked through the doors of the Cabarrus Center.
- Through the Cabarrus Center, Tom and Johnny were connected with Meg Smit, Director of the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC). Meg helped make connections and referrals, shared resources and the workshops offered through the Small Business Center, and even helped answer their business-related questions when they needed the support.
Tapping Into Local Resources
- Tom and Johnny received support through the Flywheel Foundation’s Venture Mentoring Service program at the Cabarrus Center, through key partnerships with the Small Business Center, Cabarrus Chamber, and Cabarrus Economic Development.
- In August 2022, Tutti’s Italian Market and Deli became members of the Cabarrus Chamber to help Tom and Johnny build relationships with other business owners and community figures in the area.
- Tom and Johnny partnered with experienced restaurateur, Dr. Allen Dobson of 73 & Main Restaurant, testing menu items and hosting special dinner nights before opening their own retail location.
Tutti’s Opens in Concord
- November 2022 | Tutti’s Italian Market and Deli opens at 235 Cabarrus Ave E, Concord, NC.
- November 2023 | Tom and Johnny celebrated the one year anniversary of Tutti’s with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by The Chamber, bringing local business owners and community figures to Tutti’s to celebrate their achievements.
In the News
- Tutti’s Italian Market & Deli is awarded The Chamber’s 2023 New Business of the Year Award (Cabarrus Chamber via Facebook Watch, 2-28-2024)
- Tutti’s Italian Market & Deli celebrates its 1-year anniversary (Cabarrus Weekly, 12-4-2023)
- Tutti’s Italian Market & Deli | Behind the Ribbon (Cabarrus Chamber, 11-20-2023)
- Kannapolis brothers overcome challenges to open Italian Market & Deli in Concord (Small Business Center at RCCC, 12-7-2022)
- Brothers open new Italian deli in Concord with help of Small Business Center and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (WBTV, 12-15-2022)