If you’re driving through Chautauqua County and see a sign for Tuscany Fredonia New York, don't expect a rolling hillside of cypress trees or a flight to Florence. Honestly, what you’ll find is something a lot more practical and, for the locals, arguably more important. It’s not a secret Italian province tucked away in the Rust Belt; it’s a family-run powerhouse of food and tradition that basically anchors the East Main Street corridor.
Most people outside the village limits think "Tuscany" in this context is just a fancy name for a deli. It isn't. It’s a 100-year-old family legacy that officially rebranded in 2023 but has roots stretching back to a single lemon tree brought over from Italy by George Civiletto.
The Reality of Tuscany Fredonia New York
You’ve probably seen the billboard. Or maybe you heard a SUNY Fredonia student raving about a sub. When locals talk about Tuscany Fredonia New York, they are referring to the Tuscany Market & Deli at 450 E. Main Street.
It’s a weird, wonderful hybrid. It’s a butcher shop. It’s a greenhouse. It’s a grocery store. It’s a deli.
Owned by Kevin Civiletto and his parents, George and Wendy, the place is basically a physical representation of how the Italian-American community in Western New York evolved. They took the old-school "fresh meat counter" concept and smashed it together with a modern specialty market. If you walk in expecting a corporate, sterile Wegmans vibe, you’re in the wrong place. This is "know your butcher by name" territory.
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Why the Lemon Tree Matters
The symbol of the market is a lemon tree. That’s not just a cute marketing gimmick. Kevin’s great-grandfather arrived in Fredonia with a few bags and an actual lemon tree. That tree survived. The family stayed. In 2004, they saw that family-run groceries were dying out in the area, so they opened Tuscany Fresh Meats & Deli to fill the gap.
By 2023, they rebranded to just "Tuscany Market & Deli" because they were doing so much more than just meat. They were selling flowers, local pumpkins, and artisanal oils.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Menu
People usually show up for the subs. And yeah, the subs are award-winning (literally voted Best of the Best in the region). But if you only get a Turkey Club, you’re missing the point.
The "DaVinci" breakfast sandwich is the sleeper hit here. It’s spicy, it’s heavy, and it’s the unofficial cure for whatever happened at the bars the night before. Then there’s the "Tuscany" sandwich—roast beef that actually tastes like it was roasted in a kitchen, not pulled out of a plastic vacuum-sealed bag.
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The Butcher Counter Secrets
A lot of people treat the butcher counter like a display case. Don't do that. The "old-school" label here is earned.
- Custom Blends: They do house-prepared cook-and-serve burgers that aren't just ground chuck.
- The Sausage: They make their own Italian sausage using family recipes that haven't changed in decades.
- Stuffed Chicken: If you’re too tired to cook a real dinner, their stuffed chicken breasts are the local "cheat code" for a home-cooked meal.
Living Near the "Tuscany" Hub
Because the market is such a fixture, the area around 450 E. Main St has become a bit of a local landmark for real estate. If you’re looking at luxury apartments or student rentals in Fredonia, proximity to Tuscany is usually a selling point.
Currently, the rental market in Fredonia is skewed heavily toward the university. You’ll see "luxury" student rentals on Canadaway Street or Green Street going for around $3,200 per person per semester. But for those looking for something more permanent near the market, the prices are surprisingly grounded. You can find 3-bedroom homes in the village for anywhere between $225,000 and $280,000, though the "executive" builds further out on Straight Road or Farel Road can climb well past $500,000.
The 2026 Festival Circuit
Fredonia loves a reason to shut down a street. If you are visiting specifically for the Italian vibes, you have to time it right.
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Festival Italia (The Italian Heritage Festival) is the big one. In 2026, it’s scheduled for June 20. It’s basically a massive block party celebrating the exact heritage that the Civiletto family has preserved at Tuscany Market. You’ll get the music, the history, and obviously, a lot of food.
But there’s also the Red, White & Blues Festival in September (Sept 11-12, 2026). It’s less about the Italian roots and more about the local wineries. Fredonia is sitting right in the middle of grape country, and this festival is where the local "Tuscany" atmosphere meets the actual agricultural output of Chautauqua County.
Supporting Other Locals
One thing Tuscany Market does differently is the "Small Business Shelf." Honestly, it’s rare to see a grocery store actively push competitors or neighbors, but you’ll find:
- Overwinter Coffee (Buffalo-based but beloved here).
- Romolo Chocolates (The Erie, PA legend).
- Borsari Spices.
- Grape Country Candles.
They basically turned their market into a curated gallery of Western New York’s best stuff.
Surprising Details You Might Not Know
- The Greenhouse: It’s not just for show. They grow their own herbs, veggies, and flowers. In the winter, it’s the place for fresh-cut Christmas trees and wreaths.
- The Sunday Rule: They are open seven days a week, 8 am to 8 pm, but they close early at 6 pm on Sundays. Don't be the person pulling on a locked door while dreaming of a sub on Sunday night.
- Dietary Needs: For an "old-school" place, they are surprisingly good with gluten-free options. If you ask, they’ll work with you.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out Tuscany Fredonia New York, here is how to do it like a local:
- Skip the Lunch Rush: The line for subs can get intense around 12:15 pm when the local workforce and students descend. Aim for 11:30 am or 1:30 pm.
- Check the Butcher Specials: Look for the steak meat specials. Sometimes you can snag premium cuts for under $10/lb, which is unheard of in bigger chain stores in 2026.
- Grab a "Boar's Head" Sub: They use premium meats, but the way they slice them to order makes the texture completely different from a pre-sliced sub shop.
- Visit the Greenhouse: Even if you aren't buying a plant, walking through the greenhouse in the spring or fall is the best way to see the "other side" of the business.
- Park in the Back: The front spots on Main Street are a nightmare. There’s usually more room if you’re patient or willing to walk twenty feet.
Whether you're a student at SUNY Fredonia or just passing through on your way to the wineries, this place is the soul of the village. It isn't just a market; it's a hundred years of history you can eat.