What Di Bruno Bros. is and where to find it

Di Bruno Bros. is a specialty food shop in Philadelphia that has sold cheese, cured meats, and Italian groceries since 1939. The original location sits at 930 South 9th Street in the Italian Market neighborhood, a few blocks south of Center City. The shop is still family-owned and operated by descendants of the Bruno family.

The store is known for its counter service model: you order from behind glass cases where staff cut and wrap items to your specifications. They stock imported cheeses from Italy, France, Spain, and other European countries, alongside domestic American cheeses. The cured meat selection includes prosciutto, pancetta, guanciale, and soppressata, many imported directly from Italy.

Di Bruno Bros. has expanded beyond the original South 9th Street location. A second location opened at Reading Terminal Market (a public market in Center City Philadelphia) in 2000, and a third at 1730 Chestnut Street in 2008. Each location carries the core cheese and meat selection, though inventory varies slightly by space.

Key Takeaways

  • Di Bruno Bros. operates three locations in Philadelphia: the original Italian Market shop, a stall at Reading Terminal Market, and a standalone store on Chestnut Street.
  • The shop sells imported and domestic cheeses, cured meats, and Italian specialty foods, with staff who cut and wrap items to order at the counter.
  • Many cheeses and meats are imported directly from Italy and other European countries, making the selection different from what you would find at a supermarket.
  • The business has been family-owned since 1939 and remains a destination for people seeking high-quality cheese and Italian ingredients in the Philadelphia area.

The cheese selection and how to order

Di Bruno Bros. stocks between 200 and 300 different cheeses at any given time, depending on the season and what is available from suppliers. The inventory rotates: some cheeses are in stock year-round, while others appear only during certain months when they are made or imported. Staff can tell you what is currently available and suggest cheeses based on how you plan to use them—whether you want something for a cheese board, cooking, or eating on its own.

Ordering at the counter works the same way as ordering at a deli: you point to what you want, tell the staff member how much you need (by weight or by the piece), and they cut and wrap it. If you are not sure what to buy, staff will let you taste samples before you commit. This is standard practice at the shop, and tasting is encouraged—it is how many customers discover cheeses they would not have tried otherwise.

Prices vary widely depending on what you choose. Common domestic cheeses cost less than rare imported ones. A wedge of everyday cheddar might cost a few dollars, while a small piece of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or a French Alpine cheese could be significantly more. Staff can tell you the price per pound before they cut, so you know what you are spending.

Cured meats and Italian specialty items

The cured meat counter carries prosciutto di Parma, San Daniele prosciutto, pancetta, guanciale, and various soppressata and salami. Many are imported from Italy; some are made domestically. Like the cheese, these are cut to order—you can ask for thin slices for eating raw, thicker cuts for cooking, or any thickness in between.

Beyond cheese and meat, the shop stocks Italian pantry items: dried pasta, canned tomatoes, olive oils, vinegars, dried mushrooms, and other ingredients used in Italian cooking. The selection is deeper than what a typical supermarket carries, and staff can recommend products or explain how to use something unfamiliar.

Hours, payment, and what to expect when you visit

The original South 9th Street location is open six days a week, closed Sundays. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, though hours vary slightly by season and day of the week—it is worth checking before you go. The Reading Terminal Market location operates during market hours, which are roughly 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Chestnut Street location has similar hours to the South 9th Street shop.

Di Bruno Bros. accepts cash and card payments. The shop can be busy, especially on weekends and during the holidays. If you are ordering a large quantity or want to place a special order (a specific cheese that is not currently in stock, for example), you can call ahead. Staff will set items aside or source them if possible.

Visiting the Italian Market neighborhood

The original Di Bruno Bros. sits in the Italian Market, a neighborhood on South 9th Street between Catharine and Wharton Streets. The area has other food shops, restaurants, and produce vendors. If you are visiting Di Bruno Bros., you can walk the street and explore other businesses in the same area. Parking on South 9th Street is street parking; there is no dedicated lot at the shop.

The Reading Terminal Market location is easier to reach if you are downtown or using public transit. The market is at 12th and Arch Streets, a few blocks from City Hall and accessible by SEPTA bus and trolley. The Chestnut Street location is in Center City, also accessible by transit.

Online ordering and shipping

Di Bruno Bros. operates a website where you can browse products and place orders for shipping. Not all items available in the physical stores are available for shipping—some cheeses and meats do not travel well or are too perishable. The website shows what can be shipped and what is currently in stock for delivery. Shipping costs vary based on order size and destination, and orders are shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs to keep items cool.

Online orders take longer to arrive than in-store purchases, so this option works best if you are ordering in advance or live outside the Philadelphia area. For same-day or next-day needs, visiting a physical location is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I taste cheese before I buy it?

Yes. Tasting is standard at Di Bruno Bros., and staff will cut small samples of any cheese you are interested in. This is how many customers decide what to buy, especially if they are trying something new or unfamiliar.

Do I need to know what I want before I go, or can staff help me choose?

Staff will help you choose. Tell them what you plan to do with the cheese—make a board, cook with it, eat it on its own—and how much you want to spend. They will suggest options and let you taste before you decide.

What is the difference between the three locations?

All three carry cheese, cured meats, and Italian specialty items. The South 9th Street original is the largest and has the deepest inventory. Reading Terminal Market and Chestnut Street are smaller and may have a more limited selection, but the core products are the same.

Can I order something that is not in stock?

Yes. Call the shop and ask if they can source a specific cheese or meat. They work with importers and can often order items that are not currently on hand, though it may take a week or two depending on what you want.

Is there parking at the South 9th Street location?

There is no dedicated lot. Parking is street parking on South 9th Street and nearby side streets. The Reading Terminal Market and Chestnut Street locations are easier to reach by public transit or car if you prefer a parking garage nearby.