Alpine Food Shop

Even an hour after the lunch rush, the Alpine Food Shop is buzzing with people — a familiar sight in Westchester. Though this location opened only in 2017, it already feels like a community staple.

The Westchester shop is the second Alpine location; the original in Elmwood Park opened in 1955. The name came from the Barbi family, the original owners, who hailed from northern Italy and were inspired by the mountains they loved. Over time, the Bonaccorsi family acquired Alpine and, noticing many regular customers lived south and west of Elmwood Park, decided to expand. Stevie Bonaccorsi, working with his uncles and aunts John, Rob, Amy, and Kathy, led the charge to open the new spot on 31st Street.

An entrepreneur at heart, Stevie also runs a firewood delivery service and a Christmas tree business. He brought several of his employees into Alpine, helping the business grow steadily from day one. Loyal customers from Elmwood Park followed, and new faces from Westchester, Oak Brook, La Grange, and beyond soon became regulars. During peak seasons, Alpine employs up to 35 people, with lunch hours bringing in a lively crowd.

Alpine’s menu features their famous Italian Sub, the top seller, followed closely by the Turkey Sub. They also serve pasta and potato salads, frozen Nottoli sausage, Massa pizzas, and locally produced frozen steaks and burgers. Alpine proudly stocks area favorites like Local Style and Broad Ripple potato chips — with fun flavors such as Hot Dog, Beef, and Deep Dish Pizza.

Stevie says that his family system helped him immensely in learning how to manage teams, work efficiently, and build customer trust. He prides himself on how customers are treated:

“We want to make personal connections, make for a good experience, and a welcoming feel.
I want coming into Alpine to be more than just getting a good sandwich, but also a great experience.”

That commitment to warmth shines through in the words of one regular customer:
“If I’m ever feeling down, I love to stop by here. There is always such a warm, welcoming feeling walking into the store full of happiness. It gives me joy to see such a well-mannered and polite young group of people.”

Stevie credits the community’s support — and word-of-mouth — as the shop’s best advertising. He is especially thankful for members of the Westchester Chamber of Commerce, including John Watson, who helped Alpine join the Village’s Party in the Park event (“a wonderful experience,” Stevie says), and Judy Saraceno Swenson, a loyal supporter of the staff and business.

With growth continuing, Stevie is now exploring local delivery and more ways to serve the community. Westchester is lucky to have Alpine Food Shop — and Alpine is proud to call Westchester home.