Rob Prisco, the former owner of Prisco’s Family Market in Aurora, has fond memories of working alongside his grandfather Tony Prisco, who established the store in 1926. Back then, the Prisco family, Italian immigrants, lived above the store on Lake Street. They gathered in one room for Sunday dinners, a tradition cherished by the fourth generation of Priscos.
Andy Guzauskas, Rob’s nephew, now manages the store. He recalls playing in the store’s basement as a child while his grandmother created large paper grocery signs. His cousin, Marisa Boedewig, also spent her childhood at the store, even skipping school to play games with her grandmother in the back room.
In 1996, the store relocated to West Prairie Street, with members of the fourth generation, including Boedewig, working there. Boedewig has children who call her aunt the “cookie lady,” while Guzauskas, who became the store’s manager in 2016, continues the family legacy.
Rob Prisco notes that the store still uses its original Italian sausage recipe. This tradition was celebrated during the store’s 100th-anniversary event, attended by over 100 people, including longtime employees, customers, and officials.
“None of this would be possible without you, without our wonderful customers,” Rob Prisco shared during the event. The crowd braved rain and cold to join the celebration.
The anniversary comes when independent grocery stores in Illinois face challenges. Federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and rising costs have led to a slim 1% net profit margin for these stores. Guzauskas mentioned the increase in costs, like an additional $4,000 on the store’s electric bill.
Despite challenges from storms and the collapse of their largest wholesaler, Central Grocers Cooperative, Guzauskas works to keep the store running smoothly. He attributes the store’s resilience to daily efforts, teamwork with employees, engaging with vendors, attending conferences, and applying for state grants.
Beyond selling groceries, Guzauskas emphasizes the store’s role in educating customers about their food choices. He believes in helping and connecting with people, a mission that resonates with many customers.
Customers like Kevin Boedewig appreciate the store as a community hub. He speaks of the social interactions that occur when shopping at Prisco’s. The store’s employees continue to offer personal service, such as walking customers to their cars.
Long-time customers Charles and Karen Lorence value the personal touch. For example, the store orders duck liver pate for them every Christmas.
Illinois State Rep. Barbara Hernandez and Aurora Mayor John Laesch both highlighted the store’s community spirit. Employees feel like family, and many have been with the store for decades.
Kevin Boedewig, who once worked at the store, acknowledges the long-standing employee culture focused on customer satisfaction. Employees are trained to prioritize the customer experience.
Guzauskas, having grown up in this environment, underscores the importance of community and inclusivity, aiming to treat everyone well and take care of each other.
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