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About Kensington Market

"When you got a good recipe, don't try to ruin it, keep it simple." — Luciano Lastrina, Owner

Our Story Since 1997

In 1997, in a building with a 100 year history (including 71 years as Victory Market) in Berlin, Luciano Lastrina opened Kensington Market at 1014 Farmington Avenue. His dream was to operate a food business where customers would be greeted with smiles and made to feel comfortable.

Within three years, business increased and expanded. Lastrina realized he had to get a partner. Sebastian Scalora became half of the team that has made Kensington Market one of the most pleasant places to shop in Berlin.

Today, we continue to operate under the original and simple concept – to provide quality food and groceries for great prices with a smile and a friendly face. We give back to our community and have grown to consider many of our customers as family.

Kensington Market storefront and interior

What Makes Us Special

The principles that guide everything we do at Kensington Market

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Fresh Daily

We cut all of our own meats, make our own pork sausage and process our ground pork and beef fresh each day. All for prices comparable to the local grocery store.

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Family Atmosphere

We believe in greeting every customer with a smile and making them feel comfortable. Many of our customers have become like family to us over the years.

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Local Partners

We partner with local businesses like Sanremo Bakery for our fresh baked bread and source our meat and seafood from the freshest local sources.

Rebuilding & Resilience

How we overcame challenges and came back stronger

1997

The Beginning

Luciano Lastrina opened Kensington Market in a building with 100 years of history, dreaming of a place where customers feel welcome and comfortable.

2000

Partnership

As business grew, Sebastian Scalora joined as partner, creating the team that made Kensington Market one of the most pleasant places to shop.

2024

The Fire

In February 2024, an overnight fire severely damaged the market. Smoke, water damage, and equipment destruction forced a 10-month closure for rebuilding.

Today

Renewed & Improved

We reopened with expanded kitchen space, updated layout, larger hot bar and deli cases, plus a refreshed facade. Same quality, same smiles, better than ever.

What Our Customers Say

Hear from the customers who have become like family to us

Rick

Rick

Loyal Customer

"Luciano make one feel they're at home. The staff is outstanding and the fare is beyond outstanding. All try to please. Where can you find octopus salad perfectly seasoned!?! Enjoy!!"

Micki

Micki

Regular Customer

"We buy all our meat products here! Everything is fresh and can be cut to order, just the way you like it. Everyone makes you feel welcome the minute you walk in the door! This has to be the cleanest place I've ever been in!"

Linda

Linda

Happy Customer

"All of their meats are wonderful...fresh and trimmed to perfection. Their ready made foods are also delicious and freshly made."

Community & Commitment

We are just that type of business

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Historic Location

100+ Years

Building history including 71 years as Victory Market

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Local Partnerships

Since 1997

Working with Sanremo Bakery and other local businesses

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Food Safety

Always

All State of Connecticut guidelines and health department regulations

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Community Support

Ongoing

Giving back to our community and treating customers like family

What Our Customers Say

Hear from the customers who have become like family to us

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