Our Story
Four Generations of Mediterranean Food Expertise Serving the Pacific Northwest Since 1971
John "Big John" Croce, Founder
Founded by an Italian Immigrant's Son
In 1971, John "Big John" Croce opened Pacific Food Importers in Seattle's historic "Garlic Gulch" neighborhood. The son of Italian immigrants from Le Marche, Big John understood the difference between authentic Mediterranean ingredients and mass-market substitutes. He built the business on a simple principle: source directly from family producers in Italy and Greece, maintain uncompromising quality standards, and treat every customer relationship as a partnership.
What started as a small storefront serving Seattle's Italian restaurant community has grown into a 26,000 square-foot temperature-controlled warehouse operation. But the founding principles remain unchanged. Today, Big John's family—Holly, Mike and Margo—continue the family tradition, personally maintaining relationships with producers across the Mediterranean and serving the same values their father established over five decades ago.
We still source many products from the same family-owned producers Big John partnered with in the 1970s. That continuity of relationship means we don't just sell products—we understand their stories, their production methods, and their commitment to authenticity. When you work with Pacific Food Importers, you benefit from 54 years of accumulated knowledge, trust, and genuine partnerships.
What Sets Us Apart
Family Ownership
Multi-generational ownership means we make decisions for long-term relationships, not quarterly profits. When you call, you speak with family members who have genuine authority to solve problems and build partnerships.
Direct Producer Relationships
We maintain personal relationships with family-owned producers across Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean. These decades-long partnerships ensure authenticity, quality control, and competitive pricing that broadline distributors cannot match.
Deep Product Knowledge
Our team doesn't just take orders—we share expertise. We know which San Marzano tomatoes work for different sauce styles, which flour creates the best Neapolitan crust, and how to source specialized ingredients for authentic regional cuisine.
Pacific Northwest Roots
Based in Seattle for 54 years, we understand Pacific Northwest food culture, seasonal needs, delivery logistics, and the unique demands of the region's diverse culinary community. We're your neighbors, not a distant corporate supplier.
26,000 Square Feet of Temperature-Controlled Excellence
Our facility in north Kent, Washington provides strategic access throughout the Puget Sound region. Multiple temperature zones ensure optimal storage for every product category—from fresh dairy and cured meats requiring precise refrigeration to specialty items needing climate-controlled environments.
Efficient warehouse organization, modern inventory systems, and dedicated delivery fleet enable reliable weekly service throughout Western Washington and Portland. Will-call pickup is available for established customers who need immediate access or prefer personal product selection.
26,000
sq ft warehouse
4,000+
specialty products
500+
customers served
Meet the Family
Holly Cochran
Owner / Operations
Margo Flones
Owner / Customer Relations
Mike Croce
Holly has spent her entire career at Pacific Food Importers, learning the business from her father and building deep relationships with both producers and customers throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Margo brings years of experience in customer service and product knowledge, ensuring every customer receives personalized attention and expert guidance for their specific needs.
Owner / Product Development
Mike focuses on sourcing new products, maintaining producer relationships, and ensuring the product portfolio continues to meet the evolving needs of Pacific Northwest chefs and food businesses.
Over Five Decades of Growth
1971
The Beginning
John "Big John" Croce opened Pacific Food Importers in Seattle's historic "Garlic Gulch" neighborhood. From the start, we focused on authentic Mediterranean ingredients and direct sourcing.
1980s
Expanding the Mediterranean
Business expanded to include direct imports from family producers in Greece and across Italy, establishing the direct relationships we still maintain today.
1990s
Second Generation Joins
Holly, Cathy, and Mike Croce join the operation, ensuring multi-generational continuity and bringing fresh perspectives to the family legacy.
2000s
Major Facility Expansion
Move to our current 26,000 square-foot Kent facility, providing temperature-controlled excellence to serve a rapidly growing culinary community.
Today
Serving 500+ Customers
Continued commitment to authenticity, trust, and family-owned Mediterranean producers, serving over 500 Pacific Northwest food businesses every week.
Our Commitment to You
Since "Big John" Croce first opened our doors over 50 years ago, our commitment to authenticity and partnership has never wavered. We remain dedicated to sourcing only the finest Mediterranean ingredients, maintaining deep product knowledge, and providing the reliable service your culinary business deserves.
We understand that our success is tied to yours. That is why we personally maintain relationships with our producers and treat every delivery as a promise of quality. Thank you for making Pacific Food Importers your trusted partner in the Pacific Northwest since 1971.