Romeo’s Retail Group was founded in 1987 with the opening of their first supermarket, ‘Tom the Cheap’, located in South Plympton. At the time Paul, Anthony and Joseph Romeo combined their knowledge, experience and passion for food and the retail industry, embarking on a journey of personal and professional growth. The company has since increased their store footprint and currently owns and operates 40 independent Foodland and IGA stores across South Australia and New South Wales.

With a workforce exceeding 2,000 employees, Romeo’s place great importance on their team, and consider them to be the corner stone of their business. Embracing their company motto, “Family Owned, Community Minded”, the Romeo Family has remained loyal in its commitment to supporting local growers, producers, and communities, a core value that defines both the family and Foodland. Despite the demand of business, the family has maintained their cherished Sunday night tradition of gathering at Antonio and Elisabeth Romeo’s home, sharing an iconic Italian feast for the extended family to enjoy. Family holds an important place in their ethos. Company directors emphasise this sentient, expressing, “We treat our customers like family, our suppliers like family, and our team is a family”.

The Romeo’s Retail Group demonstrates a strong dedication to the community by actively supporting local charities, sports clubs, local organisations, churches, and schools through donations and sponsorships. In addition to this, Romeo’s Foodland strongly support state fundraising initiatives implemented by Foodland, IGA, and Metcash. In recent years, the Romeo’s Charity has collaborated with Dream Ride in bringing this event to Australia. The Dream Ride Foundation aims to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing them with life-changing experiences.

With nearly four decades of experience in the retail industry, the Romeo family have built a business that stands as a bench mark of independent retailing success in Australia. They take pride in their cutting-edge stores, state-of-the-art sustainable refrigeration and contemporary interior designs. Romeo’s continue to push the boundaries of innovation, by creating a unique shopping experience for consumers. This includes features such as a walk-in cheese room, in-store florist, bakery and butchery, continental delicatessens, specialised sushi bars, wood oven pizzeria’s and a selection of ready-to-eat solutions. All of this is supported by a selection of market fresh produce and an extensive grocery, dairy and freezer range.

Romeo’s launched the ‘Locali’ concept of super-marketing in Sydney in 2021. It showcased a new and vibrant shopping experience with full grocery range, commercial kitchen, restaurant, bar, in-house panini bar and hot serve carvery. Their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is highlighted by the numerous awards they have received over the years. They have been honoured with prestigious titles, including State Retailer of the Year in2001, 2004, 2007, 2008,2010, 2014, 2017, and 2018, as well as National Retailer of the Year in 2001, 2008, and 2017. Their recognition extends internationally, with distinctions such as International Retailer of the year in 2002, 2009, and 2018. Industry experts have applauded the family for their exceptional performance across a wide spectrum of areas, including leadership, innovation, staff development, and managerial excellence.

The Romeo’s business and family is committed to working with the next generation, to continue the journey in the Retail Industry. Focusing on better understanding consumer needs, implementing sustainable practices, and maintaining solid relationships with customers and suppliers, whilst supporting local producers and communities. In an ever-evolving industry where consumer habits and retail trends are constantly shifting, Romeo’s Retail Group is committed to solidifying its future while preserving the cherished family-owned retailer values that have always been at the core of their identity. They remain dedicated to being the heart and soul of their local communities.