Tino’s Italian Grocery Store Reopens with History Dating Back to 1947

A slice of Santa Barbara’s Italian history has not faded away. Family members have revived Tino’s Italian Grocery store, after the death of Valentino ‘Tino’ Ziliotto last year.

Tino’s sister Terry Morinini, and her children Elio, Deanna, and Dino have moved the business from the past De la Guerra St. site to the new location on Carrillo St. at the corner of De la Vina.

When the doors opened this morning, immediately some of the customers who were regulars at the previous site, came back -enthusiastically- looking for the famous sandwiches and Italian food products from the shelves.

Tino’s is known for “Super Deluxe” submarine or torpedo sandwiches, loaded with meats, lettuce, tomato slices, and a special olive oil dressing. Customers were buying them by the bag load during the noon hour.

The shelves are stocked with Italian wines, pasta, desserts, olive oil, and sauces. Some are made in the U.S., and many are imported.

Deanna Morinini said if you want to make an authentic Italian meal, she can tell you exactly what to buy from the items they stock.

Family pictures on the wall, remind everyone of Tino and the store’s heritage.

The prior location for Tino’s closed in March and the relocation, along with the design took about eight months at the Carrillo St. site.

Slideshow: Tino’s Italian Grocery Store Reopens