About us
Salvatore's Events and Catering owned by Joseph and Victoria Collura is a division of Little Giant World of Catering, Inc – which is and has been family owned and operated for nearly 50 years.
Our history began in the mid 1900's when Salvatore Collura, Joseph's father and first generation Italian American started his own business selling fresh fruits and vegetables from his produce truck. This truck made daily trips to Pittsburgh's historic Strip District where Salvatore hand-picked his produce for selling "door to door" to families in the city and surrounding communities. Joseph, at the early age of eight, helped his father and soon became familiar with the family business.
The years that followed provided Joe with opportunities that enabled him to gain invaluable experience in business management and operations.
In 1967, Joe was hired at Caste Village Dairy, a large restaurant and Delicatessen in the South Hills of Pittsburgh where, at the young age of sixteen, he was asked to assume management and supervisory duties. He was able to develop a mature understanding of business dynamics by working closely with employees, managers and vendors. This experience provided the skills and knowledge necessary to continue growing in the Food Industry.
In 1969 Joe's Uncle Tony asked that he join him in the North Hills, working a Produce Concession which shared rental space with a Butcher Shop, and provided opportunity for Joe to learn about fresh cut meats. Joe had recently graduated from High School and was very enthusiastic about every opportunity to expand his "hands on" business knowledge.
In 1970, Joe and his uncle entered a partnership and started a new business known as Little Giant Deli located in the Borough of Mount Oliver and known for its fresh meats, produce and homemade foods. Joe worked side by side with his Uncle, Tony; father, Salvatore; mother, Sandra and other family members to continue the Italian Family Tradition of hard work and dedication to customer service.
The store had a strong community base and most customers were greeted by name. Saturday business was characterized by long lines of people waiting patiently for their fresh cut deli selections. It was here that the foundation was laid for growth and development. Joe took over the deli business when his uncle retired in 1975 and in 1980 closed the Mt. Oliver store and re-located to Baldwin Borough as Little Giant World of Catering, Inc. Our office generated thousands of catered events in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. From family gatherings and weddings to large business parties and corporate events, Little Giant Catering, Inc. helped create many memorable celebrations for businesses, families and friends!
The success of our catering business enabled us to expand, and in 1998, after 39 years of experience and 18 years of successfully operating his South Hills catering business, Joe realized his business goal and opened Salvatore's Events and Catering - very appropriately named in honor of Joseph's father Salvatore Collura, whose portrait hangs in the Lobby as a most fitting testament to the man who led by example and taught his son the value of hard work and honest business ethics.
Our Event Center is custom designed to include three private dining rooms, two separate bridal suites, elegant lobby and fully equipped commercial kitchen. Salvatore's Events and Catering prides itself in a business philosophy which emphasizes personalized service and attention to detail - as defined by a history of successfully facilitating over 20,000 special celebrations since our opening.
Joseph and Victoria remain personally involved in the day to day operation of the business. Together with their experienced staff, and knowledgeable event planners, work to enthusiastically provide a growing and caring environment where they find pride in consistently surpassing the expectations of their guests.
After all, it's your special occasion and we know how important it is for everything to be exactly as you want it. Whether a wedding, banquet, family gathering or corporate event - no matter how intimate or elaborate, you can be sure that we will provide the very best for you and your guests. We look forward to an opportunity to work together in planning a successful event with memories to last a lifetime.