Mario’s Food (for thought) Market

My parents were business owners for most of their lives. They ran Mario’s Food Market for 25 years at the corner of West Oley and Tulpehocken Streets in Reading, PA.

My siblings and I grew up in the store. From the time we could walk, we were there. Stocking shelves, running the cash register, manning the penny candy counter, and delivering groceries to our elderly neighbors, including our grandparents.

Running a retail store is a tough and demanding business. My father worked seven days a week, and my mother stepped in during busy times while also keeping the home fires burning in our house across the street. I’m deeply proud and grateful for these roots. That store was the start of my business education. It was a blessing to learn by watching my parents in action. They showed me the importance of taking care of your customers, treating people well, providing for your family, and putting in the hard work. I also saw the tough realities and daily challenges of owning a business. 

As I built my career as a business advisor, I often thought about how much more I could have done to help my parents if I knew then what I know now. I never got that chance, but through my business, I hope to help other business owners in the ways I wish I could have helped them. 

They fed a community with their store. With this blog, I hope to feed business owners with ideas, insights, and practical guidance to help them face the challenges and complexities of running a business. It’s my way of honoring my parents, Frances L. and Mario O. Vicari Sr., two hardworking, blue-collar business owners whose legacy lives on in the work I do today.