I
n today’s fast-paced world there is a
belief that newer equals better. Places
like Rocca’s Market remind us that
sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
Rocca’s Market has been a family run
business since 1927. It was first built by
Giulio Rocca, who moved from Cocconato
Italy in 1906. Giulio wanted to ensure
that San Martin had everything it needed
to thrive; so the store started out as a
general store, feed store, service station and
restaurant. Through the decades, Rocca’a
has passed along the family line. Giulio’s
daughter, Ines, and her husband, John
Bonfante, ran the store for 20 years before
Giulio’s son, Julius, better known as Rocky,
took the helm in 1952. In 1994, Rocky’s
sons, Dan and Tom, took over and they
have been running the store ever since.
Rocca’s Market has been a part of the
brothers’ everyday lives since childhood.
“When we were young, there was
sports, music, and Rocca’s Market,” Tom
said. In their lifetime, the brothers have
seen other businesses come and go —
seemingly in the blink of an eye. All the
while, Rocca’s has stood through thick and
thin, through earthquakes and changing
lifestyles.
So what makes Rocca’s Market so
resilient?
“We keep the store because we love it,”
says Tom, “We love the community and
the diversity of the people who come in.”
Dan and Tom have preserved the look and
the store’s old family feel, keeping it as
close to how it was when it first opened in
1927. Long time customers marvel how
Rocca’s Market is just like the store they
grew up with. But the brothers’ dedication
goes far beyond just looks. They still
maintain the same standards and quality
Rocca’s Market has always been known for.
The store’s ability to adapt has also
played a huge part in its longevity. As big
corporate grocery stores began to take the
place of the smaller, local ones, Rocca’s
Market adjusted accordingly. “It’s been a
long transition. The store changed from
being mom’s everyday grocery store to a
high-end specialty shop,” Tom explained.
Among these specialties is their
dedication to the community. The brothers
Tom Rocca
Dan Rocca
Rocca’s Market
Withstanding
the test of time!
Written By Crystal Han
78
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
JULY / AUGUST 2015
gmhtoday.com