The story of Cusumano & Sons began at the turn of the 20th century, when Joe Cusumano, a young Sicilian immigrant, arrived at Ellis Island seeking the American Dream. At just eight years old and unable to speak English, Joe started his journey by selling overripe bananas in New York’s wholesale produce district. Through determination and resourcefulness, he went from selling bananas door-to-door to owning a pushcart, and eventually a horse-drawn wagon.
Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to the Midwest, where he established the Joe Cusumano Fruit Company in St. Louis, Missouri, focusing on wholesale produce. He noticed a significant opportunity to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to rural areas that lacked transportation and refrigeration. In the late 1920s, Joe expanded his business by launching Mt. Vernon Distributing Co. in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. To support the growing operation, a new warehouse with rail access was built in 1944 at 10th and Casey.
The family business continued to thrive, eventually becoming one of Southern Illinois' largest wholesale produce distributors. Joe’s sons—Vito, Sam, and Vince—joined the business, and Vince became the sole owner in the early 1960s. Vince and his wife, Shirley, ran the company until his health declined, passing the reins to their eldest son, Rex, in 1979. To honor the company’s legacy, Rex renamed it Cusumano & Sons, steering it toward further growth. 
Tragedy struck in 1998 when multiple fires destroyed the warehouses at 10th and Casey. In response, Rex quickly acquired and renovated a warehouse at 826 Harrison Street in Mt. Vernon, which remains the company's base today. Undeterred by the setback, Rex ensured the business never missed a day of service.
In 2007, Tony and Lance Cusumano, Rex’s sons, Tony and Lance Cusumano, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates, took over daily operations, continuing the family tradition. Today, Cusumano & Sons distributes fresh produce sourced globally, along with pre-cut fruits and vegetables, which help customers manage labor shortages and deliver fresh products efficiently. A notable feature of the company is its split-case service, allowing smaller businesses to buy exactly what they need without the burden of excess inventory.
In 2012, Cusumano & Sons invested in advanced industry software, enhancing food safety traceability, electronic data exchange, and inventory management. The company is currently preparing to launch an online ordering platform and mobile app, expanding customer convenience. New product lines, including proteins like beef, seafood, pork, and chicken, will soon complement the company's produce offerings, further increasing their appeal to a wider range of clients.
Additionally, the company has acquired refrigerated vans to complement its fleet of trucks, increasing fuel efficiency for local deliveries. Future plans include expanding the delivery area and offering retail sales directly to customers, allowing for local product pickup.
Cusumano & Sons is committed to supporting the Southern Illinois community. Its fundraising program, revamped in 2020, enables non-profits such as schools, churches, and sports teams to sell boxes of fresh produce for profit. The program, which has facilitated over 400 fundraisers in Southern Illinois and Indiana since 2020, is a valuable resource for local organizations seeking healthy and profitable fundraising options.
In response to COVID-19 in 2020, the company quickly adapted, pivoting to sell produce boxes directly to the public when grocery store shelves were bare. The overwhelming demand led Cusumano & Sons to bring their discounted produce bundles to communities throughout Southern Illinois, setting the foundation for their ongoing fundraising program. The company also partnered with regional distributors and government agencies to provide truckloads of free food boxes to local food pantries, churches, and communities, ensuring Southern Illinois did not go overlooked during the pandemic.
The company’s annual participation in Mount Vernon’s Market Days demonstrates its commitment to easing food costs for the local community. In addition, surplus produce is regularly donated to food banks and non-profit organizations, ensuring no food goes to waste. Cusumano & Sons proudly sponsors numerous local schools, sports teams, and clubs, reinforcing its dedication to Southern Illinois.
Cusumano & Sons has faced significant challenges over the past decades, including the 1998 warehouse fire and the COVID-19 pandemic. The fire at 10th and Casey initially destroyed one building, only for a second fire weeks later to consume the remaining structures. Despite the devastation, Rex and his team continued operations without interruption by relocating to a recently acquired warehouse.
Navigating the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic presented another major challenge. As an essential business, Cusumano & Sons had to adapt quickly, ensuring the safety of employees while addressing product shortages and changes in customer needs. The company’s long-standing relationships with suppliers enabled it to secure products when many other wholesalers faced shortages.
An example of the company’s agility came in early 2022, when a trusted vendor faced a major issue and needed help moving fresh inventory. Although it meant taking on extra stock, Cusumano & Sons saw an opportunity to support the vendor while passing savings on to customers. Over three days, the company successfully distributed multiple semi loads of produce, exemplifying the company's commitment to collaboration and customer service.
The company remains focused on growth and innovation. The upcoming launch of the online ordering platform and the expansion into retail sales mark a new chapter in its evolution. By increasing delivery frequency and reaching new areas, Cusumano & Sons aims to meet the needs of a diverse customer base while staying true to its roots as a family-owned business.
Cusumano & Sons’ journey from an eight-year-old immigrant selling bananas in New York to a prominent Southern Illinois produce distributor exemplifies resilience, community spirit, and entrepreneurial success. Today, the company continues to honor its heritage while embracing change and innovation, positioning itself as a vital player in Southern Illinois' economy.