A Sweet History of the Fabiano Family
Legacy of success for over 119 year and counting
The Fabiano Family’s Holland legacy started in the early 19th century. First generation Italian American, Joseph Fabiano, migrated to the United States of America from Southern Italy with his family. Settling in Holland, MI in 1902. Joseph started a wholesale produce wagon, until he inhabited his first store front in 1907, “Joe Fabiano and Sons Wholesale and Fruits.”
The Business expanded in 1914, turning into an ice cream soda bar, “Fabiano’s Soda Bar,” as Joseph moved to Rochester, MI and his son, A. Patsy (2nd generation) became sole proprietor of the business. Eventually Fabiano’s Soda Bar was passed down to two of Patsy’s eleven children, Bill and Sam (3rd generation) in 1952.
Paul C. Fabiano (3rd generation) attended the University of Notre Dame after graduating from Holland High School in 1949. Paul was drafted into the Army from 1951-1953. Upon returning, he opened a second family business, Holland Peanut Store, with the help of his father Patsy.
Paul met 1st generation Italian American immigrant Esther Bonofiglio from Grand Ledge, MI in 1954 and they married the following year. They have four children; Celeste, Paula, Mary & Thomas (4th generation). Paul and Esther raised their children and managed the Holland Peanut Store together.
In 1998, three of the four children (Celeste, Mary and Tom) became Holland Peanut Store, LLC. Paula, their sister, had an instrumental role in managing the business, until her retirement in 2020.
In 2021, Celeste retired and her daughter, Sarah assumed ownership becoming a partner in the business with her aunt Mary and uncle Tom.
Mary’s daughter Samantha is heavily involved in the family’s business, (5th generation). Sarah and Samantha now have children of their own (6th generation).
Holland Peanut Store has thrived in its current location in Downtown Holland at 46 E. 8th Street, since settling there in 1972. You will always find us there to greet you with a smile and old fashioned service. We are proud of our family’s small business for persevering for 119 years and counting.
We look forward to serving you soon!