Letterie’s Italian Market Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Letterie’s Italian Market in Winthrop Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary under the ownership of Jim Letterie.

The current president of the Winthrop Town Council, Letterie spoke about the history of his store.

“The store’s been in Winthrop since 1956 with the Abbatessa’s (formerly Terrie’s Food Mart),” noted Letterie. “I bought it in 2002 and we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary this month. It’s been an incredible opportunity for my family and me.”

Letterie’s has been a popular lunch-time destination for Winthrop families throughout the store’s history.

“I think what I get the most enjoyment out of is to see a whole generation of kids come through the store,” said Letterie. “Basically, when I started, they were just born and now they’ve graduated from college. To see a whole generation of children grow up, it’s really special. Winthrop is a unique town and a special place. And as I like to tell everybody, it’s just a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Letterie’s has a wide variety of specialties and submarine sandwiches, with the Italian and “Figglesworth” subs topping the list of favorites. As the Letterie’s Italian Market website proudly proclaims, the store is known for “its continued tradition of quality cold cuts sliced to order, its famous in-store roast beef, the tremendous line of subs, wraps, and salads all made to order, and its increasingly popular catering business featuring Italian specialties, homemade calzones, and our signature wrap platters, along with custom-made subs up to eight feet in length.”

Letterie has served in town government for 17 years. He is entering his second year as council president.

Jim’s wife, Dawn Letterie, has been a Winthrop schoolteacher for 35 years. Their son, Jake, is a 2020 graduate of George Washington University and now lives and works in the nation’s capital. Their daughter, Jenna Letterie, is a senior at Middlebury College, where she is the captain of the reigning NCAA Division 3 national championship women’s ice hockey team. The team was undefeated in the 2021-22 season. “That was an incredible experience and she’s now the captain of this year’s team hoping to defend the title.”

Letterie said he was grateful for the residents’ support and patronage of his business over the past two decades.

“I can’t thank the residents of Winthrop enough for their patronage over the past 20 years and all the employees who have worked at the store. I would be remiss if I did not mention the Abbatessas for their 40-plus years owning the former Terrie’s and laying the foundation that I could build upon,” said Letterie.

Rep. Turco Offers His Congratulations

State Rep. Jeff Turco is among the many residents who have stopped by the store to offer their congratulations to the business owner and long-time member of the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce. “It is with great honor that I congratulate Letterie’s Italian Market on their 20th Anniversary. They have graciously fed the people of Winthrop delectable Italian food for two decades. It is always a pleasure celebrating the success of small businesses in Winthrop. Congratulations and to many more years of achievement serving the great community of Winthrop,” said Rep. Turco.