You walk into the Ardmore Farmers Market and the first thing that hits you isn't the sight of the produce. It’s the smell. A funky, salty, glorious cloud of aged provolone and cured meat that practically pulls you by the nose toward the back corner.
That’s where you find it. Di Bruno Bros Ardmore PA.
It isn’t just a grocery store. Honestly, calling it a "specialty market" feels a bit too corporate and sterile for a place that feels like a chaotic, delicious slice of South Philly dropped right into the heart of the Main Line. While the original 9th Street location has the history, the Ardmore spot has the convenience—and the same high-octane energy.
The Ardmore Farmers Market Vibe
Most people think of farmers' markets as outdoor stalls with muddy kale. The one at Suburban Square is different. It’s an indoor, upscale food hall, and Di Bruno Bros is basically the anchor tenant. It sprawls across a massive chunk of the floor plan.
You’ve got the cheese counter on one side. The prepared foods in the middle. The "Pantry" shelves are packed with oils that cost more than my first car. It’s a lot to take in.
If you’re there on a Saturday morning, good luck. It's crowded. You’ll be dodging strollers and people trying to decide between three types of balsamic glaze. But that’s part of the charm. It’s a "mini-mercato" that doesn't sacrifice quality just because it’s in a shopping center.
What You’re Actually Buying (The Cheese)
Let’s talk about the cheese mongers. These people are basically scientists with knives. They aren't just slicing blocks; they’re curators.
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If you go in and ask for "something like cheddar," they’ll probably give you a look and then hand you a sliver of Cabot Clothbound or a three-year-aged Gouda that has those little crunchy salt crystals (technically tyrosine crystals, if we’re being nerds about it).
- The Parmigiano Reggiano: They get the good stuff. Not the pre-grated dust in a green can. We're talking 24-to-36-month aged wheels that they crack open by hand.
- The Spreads: If you haven't had the Abbruzze cheese spread, are you even living? It’s spicy, creamy, and potentially addictive.
- The Burrata: Often handmade and so creamy it practically requires a spoon and a moment of silence.
The Sandwich Situation
Lunch at Di Bruno Bros Ardmore PA is a Main Line rite of passage. They have a specific menu of "Focacceria" sandwiches and hoagies that make a standard deli sub look like a sad joke.
The Napoleon Sandwich is the one everyone talks about. It’s turkey, but not "deli meat" turkey. It’s roasted, paired with Normandie brie, caramelized onions, and their signature fig jam on a 7-grain roll. It sounds fancy. It tastes like something you’d eat on a terrace in France, except you’re standing in a market in Ardmore.
Then there’s the Italian Hoagie. They use Prosciutto di Parma, Genoa salami, ham capicola, and sweet soppressata. It’s heavy. It’s salty. It’s exactly what you want when you’ve had a long week.
Prepared Foods: The Lazy Gourmet's Dream
Sometimes you don't want to cook. Or, more accurately, you want people to think you spent four hours making a Lasagna Bolognese when you really just grabbed a tin from the glass case.
Their prepared food section is dangerous for your wallet. They have:
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- Chicken Rapini Sandwiches with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.
- Homemade Meatballs that are better than your grandmother's (don't tell her I said that).
- Apricot Glazed Salmon for when you’re trying to be "healthy" but still want flavor.
Recent Changes and the "ShopRite" Rumors
Now, we have to address the elephant in the room. There’s been a lot of chatter lately about the ownership of Di Bruno Bros.
In late 2024 and early 2025, news broke that Wakefern Food Corp. (the cooperative behind ShopRite) and specifically Brown’s Super Stores took a significant stake or acquired the retail operations.
Does this mean your favorite cheese shop is becoming a generic supermarket?
Kinda... but not really. The goal, according to the industry buzz, was to save the brand from financial struggles while keeping the "gourmet" soul intact. You might see Di Bruno branded products popping up in local ShopRites, but the Ardmore location still maintains its specific staff and high-end sourcing. Some locals on Reddit have complained that the service isn't what it was in 1939, but honestly, that’s a high bar to clear. It’s still the best place in the zip code for a $40 pound of Jamon Iberico.
How to Shop Like a Pro
If you want to master Di Bruno Bros Ardmore PA, you can't just wander aimlessly. You need a plan.
First, ask for samples. The mongers love to show off. If you’re curious about a stinky blue cheese from Oregon or a goat cheese wrapped in bourbon-soaked chestnut leaves, just ask. They will almost always cut you a piece.
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Second, check the "End Cuts" bin. Sometimes you can find small chunks of world-class cheese for a few bucks. It’s the best way to try something new without committing to a $20 wedge.
Third, the Antipasti Bar is where the real magic happens. Those stuffed pepper shooters? The ones with the prosciutto and provolone? They were invented by the "Aunts" of the Di Bruno family decades ago. They are a staple for a reason.
Catering and Events
People forget that the Ardmore location is a powerhouse for catering. Whether it’s a "Danny and Joe’s Antipasti" tray for a Philly Eagles watch party or a full-blown wedding spread, they handle it. They even do "Cheese Wedding Cakes," which are exactly what they sound like: tiers of actual cheese wheels decorated with fruit.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just go there and buy a loaf of bread. Do it right:
- Timing is everything: Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon if you want to chat with the staff. Avoid Saturday at 11:00 AM unless you enjoy being bumped by oversized shopping bags.
- The Pairing Secret: Don't just buy cheese. Ask for a pairing. They have specific crackers (like their sea salt crostini) and jams that change the entire flavor profile of the cheese.
- Try the Coffee: Most people skip the beverage station, but their beans are solid, and it's a good way to fuel up before tackling the rest of Suburban Square.
- Check the Pantry: Look for the Di Bruno Bros brand olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They’re high quality and make great gifts for people you actually like.
Di Bruno Bros in Ardmore managed to take a gritty, South Philly legacy and polish it just enough for the Main Line without losing the heart of what Danny and Joe started in 1939. Whether you're there for a quick Napoleon sandwich or a deep dive into the world of unpasteurized sheep's milk, it remains a culinary landmark.
Next Step: Head to the cheese counter at the 120 Coulter Avenue location and ask for a sample of the 1605 Manchego. It’s a raw sheep's milk cheese from Spain that will completely change your opinion on what "Manchego" is supposed to taste like.