Fustini's Oils & Vinegars - Holland

General information

FUSTINI'S offers Michigan a broad selection of the freshest Extra Virgin Olive Oils & Aged Balsamic Vinegars. Imported from around the world to our shops in Traverse City, Petoskey, Holland & Kerrytown Ann Arbor & online. Taste before you buy!

ABOUT US:
The story of Fustini's inception and growth is one of a love of great foods, impeccable timing, and a collection of wonderful people.

The company was founded by Jim and Lane Milligan, who lived in Minneapolis/St. Paul and took frequent family vacations to the beautiful resort town of Traverse City, Michigan. Like many others before them, the Milligans fell in love with northern Michigan and hoped to "someday" settle down there.

At the same time, the foodie explosion was well underway. By 2007, the Food Network, celebrity chefs, and bestselling cookbooks had captured America's imagination; cooking enthusiasts and the uninitiated alike were embracing new flavors and artisan brands. And, the fantastic combination of tasty AND healthy aged balsamics and extra virgin olive oils were getting noticed.

Soon it all came together: Jim Milligan eyed retirement from his career in international business at 3M Corporation, and Traverse City became a more viable option. Throughout his travels, Jim had experienced oil and vinegar shops in the "Old World," and began his planning to bring the idea to the States. In Italy, "Fustini" are the stainless steel containers in which olive oils and vinegars are stored. The word became the store name. In May 2008, Fustini's Oils & Vinegars opened its doors on Front Street in downtown Traverse City and soon developed a core following, led by local restauranteurs like Dave Denison at Amical, Mike Conner at Apache Trout Grill, and Phil of Phil's on Front.

Only months after opening, it became apparent that flavoring foods with healthy oils and vinegars had taken hold; people were trying new flavors in the tasting room, asking for Fustini's by name in restaurants, and restocking their supplies online. Business grew steadily and soon Liz Lancashire was hired to lead Traverse City operations.

The following summer, a dynamic downtown Petoskey location was opened, with Charlene Hunt appointed as manager. The third store, located in Holland, Michigan, opened just two days before the April 2010 Tulip Time Festival, a time of local celebration; lifetime foodie Denise Walburg became manager. Six short weeks later, a store in the Kerrytown Market & Shops in Ann Arbor opened, led by Jim's sister in-law, Jill Gardner-Bakewell.

Early 2011 saw the expansion of the original Traverse City store, which is now more than double its original size, able to accommodate not only a full tasting room, but also special events, classes, receptions and more.

Future growth seems assured, given people's appetites for healthy and flavorful foods and the great, loyal customers of Fustini's!

Visit the different locations on Facebook..
HOLLAND
https://www.facebook.com/FustinisHolland
TRAVERSE CITY
ANN ARBOR
PETOSKEY