In 1920 the store was put up for sale. Joe was interested in purchasing it and worked out a deal with the owners. The price agreed upon was $22,000. In 1920 that was high for a building. Purchasing the building meant working long hours to pay the mortgage. The brothers prided themselves on the quality of their fruits and vegetables, which they bought in New York. While in NY one day, they noticed that grinders where quite popular there. They decided to start selling them out of their store to see how they would do.

They were amazed at how well they sold and soon people were coming from all over to get a grinder. Some days, a line would wind its way down South Main Street. Mrs. Carmella Nardelli said that prices were nowhere near what they are now as a combination grinder made from 1/4 loaf of bread cost 10 cents while a 1/2 loaf cost 15 cents and a whole loaf cost 30 cents.

Though they had other specialties such as fruit baskets, penny candy, ice cream sundaes, and more, they soon became known as the grinder kings of Waterbury. Their reign ended in 1963 when Fred, the youngest and last survivor of the brothers, passed away. A nephew, Joe, soon took over the business and remained there until the building was demolished in 1978.

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