Belmore residents say g’day to newly opened USA Foods grocery
Belmore residents have said g’day USA, welcoming an American grocer to Burwood Rd at the weekend.
The Express
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Belmore residents have said g’day USA, welcoming an American grocer to Burwood Rd at the weekend.
Jello, cherry cola and Pop Tarts can all be found in the aisles of USA Foods — the largest importer of American food products in Australia.
Originally opened by Brooklyn natives Phil and Jeanette Bertino in 1996 in Brighton, Melbourne, this is the second USA Foods in Australia and the first in NSW.
Their son, Phil Bertino Jr, launched the Belmore store on Saturday and said his family’s importing business had very humble beginnings.
“My parents opened a sandwich shop on Little Bourke St and would sell small candies imported from America on the side,” Mr Bertino said.
“But the candies proved a bit more popular than the sandwiches and that’s how it began.”
The company now fills 12,000 orders a year online and stocks more than 3500 US products.
Over the years, the most in-demand products have constantly changed but Mr Bertina said the hot product right now is Cheetos.
“The one that’s definitely trending at the moment is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. We’ve almost sold out in Belmore already,” he said.
Luke Brailey, 33, lives in Belmore and has been a loyal customer of the online store for two years, using it to stock up everything from Trident gum to Minute Maid pink lemonade and Twinkies.
He said he couldn’t believe his luck when the company announced it was opening in his neighbourhood.
Bacon wrapped Twinkies?
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said.
“I think it will be a great boost to our local economy and will encourage visitors and American expats to come to Belmore.”