The St. Louis Summer of Volpi
Throughout four weeks of Summer 2021, Volpi Foods hit the road to collaborate with four St. Louis restaurants for the “Summer of Volpi”.
As the city began to slowly open back up after a long, challenging year, we wanted to celebrate the St. Louis community, traditions, and good food while raising money for an important cause, Operation Food Search.
“After the tough year we have all had, this is our way of giving back and reconnecting with the city for the most anticipated summer to date.” – Deanna Depke, Marketing Manager
From traditional Italian food to specialty hot dogs, we partnered with the best local restaurants throughout the city to showcase a unique variety of delicious dishes that use Volpi products. Anthonino’s Taverna, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Steve’s Hot Dogs, and Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar each featured one specialty Volpi dish.
The Italian Volpi Vespa scooter made its debut, taking us restaurant-to-restaurant for each week-long collaboration. For every specialty dish purchased, Volpi donated $1 to Operation Food Search.
Volpi Foods chose to partner with Operation Food Search for the Summer of Volpi campaign to spread awareness and help fight food insecurity.
Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that focuses on ending childhood hunger by providing education and resources, free food, and multiple innovative programs. Through a network of 330 community partners, they are able to increase healthy and affordable food access to families. Every dollar donated to the program provides $10 in services to fight against hunger.
Anthonino’s Taverna
Volpi’s first stop for the Summer of Volpi tour was Anthonino’s Taverna, located right in the heart of The Hill. Opened in 2003 by brothers Anthony and Rosario Scarato, the restaurant offers a unique variety of both Italian and Greek specialty foods influenced by their parents.
Featured for the Summer of Volpi was their house made lasagna crafted with their signature marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, hand-ground aged parmesan, and classic Volpi Salsiccia.
It was a successful campaign kick-off week, with 167 lasagnas purchased and $167 donated to Operation Food Search.
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
Week two kicked off with a cheesy summer classic – pizza. The Grove neighborhood location of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company is a large, industrial brewery and bierhall offering a wide selection of beers on tap and European-inspired cuisine.
Home of the 18-inch Volpi Pepperoni Pizza made with natural leavened hand-tossed dough, homemade tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella, UCBC was a must-have on the Summer of Volpi lineup.
“Urban Chestnut prides itself in buying local products and using local products, and Volpi is located only five minutes away on The Hill,” says Head Chef Steven Kelly.
The classic pepperoni pizza pie sold 89 in the six days and with the help of Urban Chestnut, Volpi was able to donate $89 to fight hunger.
Steve’s Hot Dogs
It was only fitting for Steve’s Hot Dogs to be the restaurant featured during the Fourth of July weekend. Located in Tower Grove East, the iconic spot is known for its creative collaborations and innovative flavor combinations piled high on a fresh bun.
A smoked and grilled Volpi sweet garlic Salsiccia topped with pasta salad, Volpi Prosciutto, parmesan cheese, and Steve’s house made garlic aioli sauce made up what Steve’s named the “Taste of Volpi Dog”.
During the week-long collaboration, 135 of these specialty dogs were sold! Steve’s Hot Dogs generously matched Volpi’s’ $1 donation to Operation Food Search for a combined contribution of $270.
Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar
Bridge Tap House is one of seven restaurants in the Bailey’s Restaurant family, located downtown at North Tenth and Locust Street. Opened in 2008, they now offer delicate bar-food items and house over 55 beers on tap in addition to over 100 wines, with a variety of both local and regional options.
The “Summer of Volpi” charcuterie board featured Volpi prosciutto, Riesling apricot, Flory’s truckle cheese, brie cheese, pickled carrots, cornichons, IPA whole grain mustard, and Bridge’s house made focaccia. A total of 23 boards were sold during the collaboration to conclude the last week of our campaign.
When asked why Bridge uses Volpi products, owner David Bailey says, “The prosciutto is amazing, and it just totally makes sense to have as part of our charcuterie and cheese boards which are a giant part of our menu”.
Conclusion
The 2021 Summer of Volpi was certainly one to celebrate, with $549 total raised for Operation Food Search through Volpi and the four restaurants. This summer, the St. Louis community shined brightly through our Italian celebration with an abundance of flavorful bites and unforgettable memories.
