90 Years of Heritage & Innovation
1936
The Chicago Dream
Italian immigrant Michael Gagliardo opened a modest grocery store on Chicago’s west side, starting a legacy of hard work and community service.
Late 1930s – 1940s
Solving the Shortage
When WWII caused a cooking oil shortage, Michael Sr. and his son, Michael V., became a vital regional resource. They secured olive oil suppliers and hand-packed barrels into one-gallon cans to keep their community cooking.
Late 1940s – 1950s
Official Launch
The duo breathed new life into a fire-damaged can-fabricating machine and officially launched Columbus Packing Company. While Michael Sr. acted as the "front man" selling to wholesalers, Michael V. personally packed and delivered the oils.
1960s
A New Foundation
When the Kennedy Expressway project claimed their original property, Michael V. didn't skip a beat. He built a new 8,000 sq. ft. facility on Bell St., and Columbus Foods Company was officially born.
1970s – 1982
Passing the Torch
The next generation, Michael Jr. and Paulette, joined the business to support their father. Following Michael V.’s passing at age 55, the siblings assumed leadership, fueled by their father's pride in the long lines of tank-wagons waiting at their door.
1989
Creative Expansion
Innovation took a creative turn with the launch of Soaper’s Choice, a specialty division for handcrafted soap and cosmetic makers. This era also saw the birth of Harietta the Hippo, our iconic symbol of quality and expertise.
1990s – 2001
The Innovator’s Spirit
Driven by a "Work Hard, Play Hard" motto, Michael Jr. expanded the company’s footprint with a 36-car rail yard and even pioneered a bio-diesel plant to recycle used frying oils.
2008
Doubling Down on Excellence
Under Paulette’s leadership, the company moved to a massive 330,000 sq. ft. rail-served facility in Des Plaines. This move improved efficiencies by 100% and paved the way for expanded product lines and sales.
2011 – 2022
A National Presence
From opening a dedicated Dressings Plant to launching a West Coast manufacturing facility in Reno, NV, Columbus has grown into a coast-to-coast powerhouse.
Today
90 Years & Counting
Guided by the mantra, "We don’t sell oil, we sell service," we now supply over 300 specialty products globally. As the fourth generation takes the helm, we remain committed to the same passion that started in a small grocery store 90 years ago.
