VBE Spotlight on: Portogallo Peppers LLC

Portogallo Peppers, LLC

Portogallo Peppers, LLC was founded by Bob Portogallo in 2015.

Bob Portogallo founded Portogallo Peppers, LLC in 2015. Bob started doing a farmers market selling jarred products. His business specialized in homemade Italian beef, meatball, and sausage sandwiches topped with their own spicy giardiniera. Their location has a selection of over 22 beers on tap including nitro, domestic, imports, and locally brewed beers.

Bob continued to grow his business and offer his jarred products in local markets, retailers, and continues to grow his business' footprint and is currently in over 150 retail locations in PA, OH, WV, MD and NY.

Portogallo Peppers, LLC Makes their products with fresh vegetables, and never uses frozen ingredients. All natural ingredients with no preservatives, no MSG, and gluten-free, Portogallo Peppers prides themselves in quality.

Learn more by visiting their website: https://peppersnat.com/

About the Business - Fresh & Delicious

What services do you provide?

"We offer our jarred products to consumers of our retail partners."

Who are your primary customers?

"Grocery & speciality food stores."

When and how did you start your business?

"'I started doing a farmers market selling our jarred products. Now we are in PA, OH, WV, MD markets and growing."

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

"Funding and expertise from companies that are similar to ours. Also being a small local company, the larger companies have more visible shelf space than ours."

What is the key to the success of your business?

"Being local and unique. Being a veteran owned business helps as well."

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?

"You just need to work hard, have a passion, and belief in what you are doing."

What pitfalls should they avoid?

"Don't over promise and underdeliver. Make sure you meet the expectations of your customers."

What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?

"We are looking for retail partners to carry our products in their stores."

Service information

Branch:

USAF

Service Years:

1980-1983

Highest Rank Attained:

TSgt

Why did you join the military?

"I was young and wanted to serve and get the structure I needed."

Military Occupation:

"70250C Orderly Room Specialist"

Any Significant Military Achievements:

"Airman of the Quarter HQ Air Forces Iceland."

Biography/Fun Facts

"I played professional baseball in Australia."

"My favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers."

"Favorite TV show: The Office."