D. Coluccio & Sons Turns an Italian Grocery Run Into a Treasure Hunt

D. Coluccio & Sons, located at 1214 60th Street on the border of Bensonhurst and Borough Park, is a longstanding family-run Italian specialty food importer, wholesaler, and retailer. For Brooklyn cooks and food enthusiasts, a visit here is less about ticking off a rigid shopping list and more about exploring a deep, ever-changing selection of imported Italian ingredients. Shoppers who arrive with a recipe, a regional dish, or a single ingredient in mind will find the experience rewarding—even if their preferred brand or product isn’t always on the shelf.

The store’s roots go back to 1962, when Domenico Coluccio began importing Italian products while running a deli. By 1964, he and his sons Luigi and Rocco had established the business, which later moved to its current address. Today, D. Coluccio & Sons continues to serve both retail and wholesale customers, offering a catalog that spans pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, cheese, and other pantry staples. However, the retail inventory is shaped by seasonal imports and fluctuating availability, making each visit a bit of a treasure hunt.

Planning Your Visit: Hours and Location

D. Coluccio & Sons is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm, and Sunday from 8am to 2pm. The store sits at 1214 60th Street, on the edge of Bensonhurst and Borough Park. While some sources refer to the location as Bensonhurst and others as Borough Park, the store itself acknowledges this border context. Shoppers should check the company’s website or call ahead for the latest information on hours, as these can change.

Parking in this part of Brooklyn can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available but not guaranteed. For those using public transit, several bus lines and the D train serve the area, but walking from the nearest subway stop may require navigating busy streets. The store’s accessibility for those with mobility concerns is not detailed on official sources, so calling ahead with specific questions is recommended.

Retail vs. Wholesale: What to Expect

D. Coluccio & Sons operates as both a wholesaler and a retailer. The retail section is open to the public and caters to home cooks, while the wholesale business supplies restaurants and other food businesses. Shoppers should be aware that some products may be available only in larger, wholesale-sized packages, while others are sold in smaller quantities suitable for home use. If you’re unsure about package sizes or minimum purchase requirements, staff can clarify what’s available for retail customers.

Shopping by Recipe, Region, or Ingredient

The store’s catalog includes a wide range of Italian pantry staples: dried pasta, canned tomatoes, olive oils, cheeses, and more. However, not every item listed online or in the wholesale catalog is guaranteed to be on the retail shelves. Inventory can shift with the seasons and the rhythms of import logistics. For this reason, shoppers who come with a specific dish or regional specialty in mind—rather than a strict brand or product checklist—are more likely to leave satisfied.

For example, if you’re planning to make a Sicilian caponata or a Ligurian pesto, you can ask staff for recommendations on the best available tomatoes, olive oils, or cheeses for your recipe. If a particular brand of pasta or a specific type of canned tomato isn’t in stock, staff can often suggest a suitable substitute from the current selection. This approach turns ingredient shopping into a collaborative process, rather than a hunt for a single elusive product.

Navigating Seasonal Imports and Substitutions

One of the store’s defining features is its reliance on imported goods, many of which are subject to seasonal availability. This means that certain products—especially specialty cheeses, cured meats, or limited-edition pantry items—may appear only at certain times of year. Shoppers with rigid lists may find that their preferred item is out of stock or replaced by a different brand or variety.

To make the most of your visit, consider bringing a flexible shopping plan. If you’re looking for a particular ingredient, ask staff about the best current options and possible substitutions. This is especially useful for imported products with variable supply, such as Sicilian pantry staples highlighted by independent sources like La Cucina Italiana. Being open to alternatives can lead to new discoveries and ensure you leave with what you need for your recipe.

Reading Labels and Handling Bulk Goods

Many products at D. Coluccio & Sons are labeled in Italian, and some may not have detailed English translations. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, don’t hesitate to ask staff for clarification. For bulk goods—such as large cans of tomatoes or wheels of cheese—consider how you’ll transport and store them at home. The store offers both refrigerated and shelf-stable items, so bringing an insulated bag for perishable purchases can be helpful, especially in warmer months.

Carrying heavy or bulky items may require planning ahead, particularly if you’re using public transit or walking. If you’re shopping for a large event or stocking up, bringing a cart or arranging for a ride can make the process easier.

Payment, Shipping, and Accessibility

Payment methods and shipping options can change, so it’s wise to confirm accepted forms of payment before you shop. The store’s website does not specify whether all credit cards are accepted, nor does it detail shipping policies for retail customers. If you have questions about payment, shipping, or accessibility—such as wheelchair access or assistance with carrying goods—calling ahead is the best way to get up-to-date information.

Before you go

D. Coluccio & Sons offers Brooklyn shoppers a practical way to explore Italian ingredients, with a retail experience shaped by seasonal imports and a deep, rotating inventory. Arriving with a flexible plan—whether you’re shopping for a specific dish, region, or ingredient—will help you make the most of your visit. For questions about inventory, package sizes, payment, or accessibility, a quick call ahead can ensure a smoother shopping experience.