A Sweet History of the Fabiano Family
Legacy of success for over 119 year and counting
“1st Generation: New Business venture in Holland, MI
Joseph Fabiano began his legacy with a wholesale produce wagon business.”
Joseph Fabiano’s wholesale and produce wagon business, 1902
“Storefront Opened
”Joe Fabiano and Sons Wholesale and Fruits” in Downtown Holland.”
“2nd Generation: Shop Expansion
”Fabiano’s Soda Bar.””
“3rd Generation: Business passed down to family
Fabiano’s Soda Bar was passed down to two of Patsy’s eleven children, Bill and Sam.”
“Holland Peanut Store Opens
Paul Fabiano opened “Holland Peanut Store.” 1954, Paul married Esther Bonofiglio.”
“NEW Holland Peanut Store Location
Holland Peanut Store moved to 46 E 8th Street.”
“4th Generation: Becoming an LLC
Paul and Esther’s children, Celeste, Mary and Thomas became “Holland Peanut Store, LLC.” Their sister Paula was instrumental in managing the business.”
“5th Generation: The Legacy Continues
The legacy continues with Sarah as a business partner and with business support from Samantha.”
From left: Paula, Tom, Mary, Samantha, Paul, Sarah, Celeste
The Fabiano Family’s Holland legacy started in the early 19th century. First generation Italian American, Joseph Fabiano, migrated to the United States of America from Southern Italy with his family. Settling in Holland, MI in 1902. Joseph started a wholesale produce wagon, until he inhabited his first store front in 1907, “Joe Fabiano and Sons Wholesale and Fruits.”
The Business expanded in 1914, turning into an ice cream soda bar, “Fabiano’s Soda Bar,” as Joseph moved to Rochester, MI and his son, A. Patsy (2nd generation) became sole proprietor of the business. Eventually Fabiano’s Soda Bar was passed down to two of Patsy’s eleven children, Bill and Sam (3rd generation) in 1952.
Paul C. Fabiano (3rd generation) attended the University of Notre Dame after graduating from Holland High School in 1949. Paul was drafted into the Army from 1951-1953. Upon returning, he opened a second family business, Holland Peanut Store, with the help of his father Patsy.
Paul met 1st generation Italian American immigrant Esther Bonofiglio from Grand Ledge, MI in 1954 and they married the following year. They have four children; Celeste, Paula, Mary & Thomas (4th generation). Paul and Esther raised their children and managed the Holland Peanut Store together.
In 1998, three of the four children (Celeste, Mary and Tom) became Holland Peanut Store, LLC. Paula, their sister, had an instrumental role in managing the business, until her retirement in 2020.
In 2021, Celeste retired and her daughter, Sarah assumed ownership becoming a partner in the business with her aunt Mary and uncle Tom.
Mary’s daughter Samantha is heavily involved in the family’s business, (5th generation). Sarah and Samantha now have children of their own (6th generation).
Holland Peanut Store has thrived in its current location in Downtown Holland at 46 E. 8th Street, since settling there in 1972. You will always find us there to greet you with a smile and old fashioned service. We are proud of our family’s small business for persevering for 119 years and counting.
We look forward to serving you soon!
Candy at the Peanut Store, 46 East 8th, Holland, MI.
Pick-a-mix candy display in the Peanut Store, 46 East 8th, Holland, MI.
Raw peanuts in the Peanut Store, 46 East 8th, Holland, MI.
Announcement for the Nutty Paddle Pops, June 1988.
Celeste Fabiano standing outside the Peanut Store on River Ave, ca. 1959.
Front window display of the Peanut Store at 46 East 8th.
Candy display at the Peanut Store at 46 East 8th.
Candy display at the Peanut Store at 46 East 8th.
Antique kettle and barrel used by the Fabiano family.
Antique scales used by the Fabiano family.
Antique cash register used by the Fabiano family.
Paul and Esther Fabiano making candy.
Paul and Esther Fabiano.
Patsy Fabiano and his grandchildren (from left to right) Paula, Tom, Celeste and Mary.
Nutty Paddle Pop in the foreground and the Peanut Store in the background.
Tom Fabiano mopping the floor of the Peanut Store, 1973.
Tom Fabiano scooping nuts into a bag at the Peanut Store at 46 East 8th in Holland, MI.
Paul and Bill Fabiano outside the Peanut Store.
Fabiano siblings, from left to right, Celeste, Tom and Mary, standing inside the Peanut Store at 46 East 8th.
Fabiano family ca. 2020 outside the Peanut Store at 46 East 8th in Holland, MI.