The real question begins with, "What are fustini?" In Italy, fustino (literal translation: drums) are the stainless steel containers used to properly store olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Jim Milligan, founder of Fustini's, was so intrigued by and enamored with the oil and vinegar stores he saw while traveling in Europe, he wanted to bring the concept Stateside. After a long career in international business at 3M and Imation Corporation, he created Fustini's Oils & Vinegars—the name a playful homage to his Italian inspiration. Recognizing the exploding "foodie" market at its early stages, he opened his first tasting room in 2008 in the idyllic Northern Michigan resort town of Traverse City, where he had regularly vacationed with his family for decades. Jim found his perfect second life in his ideal location.
The original store in Traverse City flourished from the start. As it turned out, a healthy and nutritious product, presented beautifully, with a commitment to artisanal craft and supported by unwavering customer service, was bound to be a success. Jim opened new stores in four additional Michigan locations—Petoskey, Holland and Ann Arbor—over the next few years.
For all these efforts, Jim has been recognized as a Top Ten 'Boomer-Preneur' by Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com.
Fustini's products are healthy, bold and flavorful additions to so many recipes—in everything from appetizers and entrees through desserts and even beverages. Vinegars are naturally low in calories and oils are high in antioxidants, so they're as good for you as they are for the dishes you prepare. And since they're imported from select artisans and small-batch growers around the world, cooking with Fustini's always means cooking with freshness and quality.
A trip to a Fustini's is more than just a standard shopping experience too. Customers can taste the products themselves and come up with their own favorite pairings. With nearly 800 possible combinations, there's something for everyone.
While offering quality oils and vinegars with unparalleled service is our core philosophy, the essence of Fustini's dream has always been to be a part of great food, culinary creativity and the nourishment of the foodie inside everyone. That dream has inspired our evolution into a wider range of gourmet cooking-related products and services.
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Nutritional information can be found listed with each product.
Find Fustini's here and see how our restaurant partners are integrating our oils & vinegars into the menu and on to the table.