Italian Entrepreneurs

Italian entrepreneurs helped shape Calgary through hard work, craftsmanship, music, food, and community leadership.

Roma Grocery

Domenico Gasbarri arrived in Calgary around 1903. He opened the grocery store in 1917. The store was at 207 4 Street NE, Domenico, his wife Antonia and daughter Flavia lived upstairs. The building is still there. Behind the store he had a shoe shop where he repaired and built shoes. He often let customers run a tab until they could pay. The store was in operation until Domenico's death in 1938.

Cosmopolitan Store

Joseph Gallelli farmed near Crossfield, Alberta, where he grew vegetables and produced cheese. Spending part of his time in Calgary visiting his brother Nick, Joseph constructed the building at 212 4 Street NE and opened The Cosmopolitan Store. The business specialized in Italian meats, cheeses, and produce supplied directly from his farm. Operating approximately from 1911 to 1919, the store was later sold to the Palazzo Brothers. The building, known today as the Gallelli Block, still stands.

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Pompillio Conservatory of Music (1925–1938)

Professor J.J. Pompillio arrived in Calgary with his family in 1925 after several years in Chicago, where he had earned a reputation as a respected band and orchestral leader. Soon after arriving, he began advertising music lessons and selling instruments. He taught numerous instruments and quickly attracted many young Italian students.

Under his guidance, the Italian Boys Band was formed and became well known throughout Calgary, performing at festivals, picnics, Stampede parades, banquets, and concerts. The band often played compositions written by Professor Pompillio himself. Among his students were Orlando Bombardieri, Mario Grassi, Thomas and Sam Taverna, Guarino Serani, Anthony Aiello, Ronaldo Rebaudego, and Louis Violini. Many continued playing music throughout their lives. Professor Pompillio helped bring music education and performance culture to Calgary until his retirement in 1938.

Canadian Shoe Shine (1928–1943)

Canadian Shoe Shine was located at 112 8 Ave SE, where the Glenbow Museum now stands. Luca Carloni opened the business in 1928 and often trained newly arrived Italian immigrants in the trade. At various times, his nephews Ringo, Leo, and Benny apprenticed in the shop. Mario Degusti and Ceslo Perusini were among the young men who later operated the business, with Ceslo eventually purchasing the store.

The photo depicts nephew Leo Fabbi working closer to the front Luca is at the back on a machine.

Nephew Leo Fabbi is working closer to the front. Luca is at the back operating a machine.

Nephew Leo Fabbi is working closer to the front Luca is at the back on a machine

Empire Shoe Repair (1938–1949)

In 1938, Luca Carloni and his nephew Leo Fabbi opened Empire Shoe Repair at 219 8 Ave W, along with another repair location at 102 10 Street NW. Both shops remained in operation until Luca opened the L.C. Ballroom, later known as the Isle of Capri, in 1950.

Through Empire Shoe Repair, Luca sponsored numerous baseball, soccer, and hockey teams for many years. One of the best known was the Riverside Empires peewee hockey team, which won the city championship in 1938.

Inside Empire Shoes store at 102 10 Street NW.

Dipalo Plumbing (1919–1950s)

James supplied the plumbing and heating to the buildings purchased by Giovanni Caboto Loggia and later the Italo-Canadian Society.

It was located on 1016 Boulevard NW till the late 1930’s, until James moved the business to his home at 229 3 Ave E (where the Federal Building is today). His son John joined his father in the business until the death of James in 1948. John took over the business which he

operated until late 1954 when John accepted a job offer located in Abbotsford BC.

Giovanni and James outside Dipalo Plumbing located at 1016 Boulevard NW.

Alberta Coffee and Tea Company (1950–1973)

Alberta Coffee was founded in 1950 by Marino Cozzubbo following nearly 40 years of experience with Tuxedo Coffee and Spice Mill. Drawing from decades of knowledge about coffee beans sourced from around the world, Marino developed his own signature coffee blend.

Alberta Coffee built a strong reputation for high-quality coffee and dependable service to restaurants and local businesses throughout southern Alberta. When Marino retired, his son-in-law Frank Coulson assumed operations. The company was eventually sold to Dickson Coffee in the 1970s, though Frank remained involved for several years overseeing southern Alberta operations.