March 8th is International Women’s Day. It is the day to honor and celebrate the achievements of women. It is such a special and significant day, that many countries in Europe treat March 8th as Mother’s Day.
International Women’s Day is all about honoring the strong women in your life. In thinking about the meaning of this day, I cannot help but to think of two incredible women who deserve so much praise– Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta. They are the heart and soul behind our company. Their unending support, dedication, and hard work are the foundation of who we are.
My grandmother and our matriarch, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. She was a beautiful soul with the kindest, most generous heart. It was her mission to make sure others were happy– especially her grandchildren. She would do anything for us, all we had to do was ask. Anyone who had any type of encounter with my grandmother can attest to two things- 1. She was incredibly kind and classy 2. She was the best cook.
Her self-taught skills in the kitchen were remarkable. Anyone lucky enough to have had a meal prepared by Romana Caputo knows that she went all out, no matter the occasion, and that it may have been the best thing you have ever eaten. Her ability to prepare a meal and make anyone feel like they are a part of the family. She is the inspiration behind our private label, La Bella Romana. It was inspired by her beauty and a way to acknowledge all she did for our family and company. Although gone too soon, she has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can.
Another pillar of our company is my mother, Antonella Caputo Presta. She often talks about the beautiful spirit of my grandmother, but does not realize that she has those same, incredible qualities that she thinks so fondly of my grandmother for. She is the most selfless, most humble, and the hardest working person I know. She began working for my grandfather at a very young age. She could tell you many stories like driving to Michigan at 3 in the morning with my grandfather to get produce or memories about what those freezing winter days working at our original location on Harlem and Wrightwood were like. She will never look for credit, but there is so much we owe to her. She takes the time to point out all the good others have done and praise others for their accomplishments, but will never draw attention to herself. She has made countless sacrifices and lives her life to make sure everyone around her is happy. She has done so much for us, as a business and as a family, and we would not be where we are today if it weren’t for her. She is always there for advice, a lesson, a prayer, a hug, a meal, and anything else you may need. She always was and still is an integral part of our business and we are lucky to have her as a guiding force.
I am blessed to have such strong, beautiful women in my life and am so grateful to be able to call Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta my role models.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the beautiful women ❤️
Don’t forget to honor the special ladies in your life on this day with a mimosa cake
From Our Family To Yours
I would like to honor all of the ladies that work so very hard at the Caputo’s in Naperville especially in the deli, bakery departments and the cashiers! Always so pleasant, customer oriented, etc. And when I am leaving the store they always ask me on Tuesday’s if I am a senior so that I can save that little bit of money… I know all of your faces however cannot remember your names. Thank you because you are always so nice to me and make me feel so special…
Thank you very much! Happy International Women’s Day to you too
I remember the store on Harlem. I went to the beauty school across the street. I’ve been shopping at Caputo’s for decades! Now I’m waiting for a store in the Crystal Lake and Algonquin area. Love Angelo Caputo’s! JoJo
Hi,I also shopped at the store and went to the beauty school too.Ippolito school .You just brought back so many good memories.
I would like to honor the women who work at the South Elgin location. Zarqa, Samira, Antonella, Mona, Gloria and all of the hard working women in forgetting! These women are hard working, kind and always helpful. I look forward to their smiles and saying hello every time I’m there which is a few times a week. A big thank you for your amazing customer service!
I can attest to all you said having grown up next door to the Caputos. The delicious aromas coming from the basement window (Romana’s kitchen was on our side of the house) always made us hungry. She was one of the kindst and most generous women. Antonella was a hard worker from a very young age. Two strong women for sure! I have great memories of the family. Happy to live close to many “Lake Street” locations to continue supporting and seeing their continued success. Auguri!
What a beautiful tribute to Romana and Antonella! What an inspiration to read through each line, each thought, and to learn about your memories ! Thank you!
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