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Di Bruno Bros.’ first home in Girard Estates is for sale

It was the original home of the family behind Philly’s popular Italian grocery

This was the original home of the Di Bruno family.
Photos courtesy of Gianna Ginnetti

A lovely 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in the historic Girard Estates district has hit the market, and it comes with a pretty cool backstory: It was the original home of the Di Bruno brothers, who founded the famous Di Bruno Bros. grocery store in 1939.

Danny and Joe Di Bruno immigrated from Italy to Philadelphia in the 1930s and soon opened up a grocery store at 930 S. 9th Street. Meanwhile, they made their home in this cozy spot at 2313 S. 21st Street, according to listing agent Gianna Ginnetti. A plaque in the home reads:

Welcome. This home is the original home of the Dibruno family. The first grocers in Philadelphia. Now wholesaled and retailed around the country. It all started at 2313.

No doubt the family outgrew this home as their business of selling imported foods and cheeses expanded. But it still has some of the original details, from the molding to the hardwood floors to the staircase. The pocket doors separating the living and dining rooms is a nice detail, too.

And over the years, it’s been updated. A back porch was replaced by a half bathroom, and the kitchen was recently renovated.

The home is also certified historic, since it’s located in the historic district of Girard Estates. The asking price is $379,000. There’s a open house this Sunday, April 2 from 12 to 2 p.m.