This year we are celebrating our 80th Anniversary as a company. As such, we want to take a minute and look back. The history of Gygi’s is essential to who we are here. As a 4th generation family business, you can bet that history runs deep—not only in the people working here each day, but also in the friends and long-time customers that have shaped this company into what it is today. And it all began with our founder.
Orson H. Gygi, came from a long line of entrepreneurs. His father and grandfather were hardworking tailors and he learned early on the value of effort and hard work because he also knew what it meant to go without. After 8th grade, he quit school to start working, and everything he made he contributed back to his parents and siblings. To show up every day, to hustle, and to work hard is one of his greatest legacies.
As an entrepreneur, Orson knew his business could only work if he had people. And the people were his main purpose. Selling them restaurant supplies, well that came second. He would personally check in with his customers every week, keeping track of both their business and personal conversations in a little notebook. Orson valued their stories and he wanted to remember every detail and do his best to maintain those connections. Some might have considered him a hard man, but it was the highest compliment once you entered his circle.
And to think, it all started with a hot new commodity—condiment squeeze bottles. Back then small, locally-owned restaurants started popping up all over the area. And finding the supplies they needed to run their businesses proved to be quite a challenge. Orson noticed the need in the community and decided to fill it. He headed door-to-door to sell condiment squeeze bottles and the developing restaurant community took notice of his attention and willingness to help.
He collected every dollar he earned until he had enough to make his new endeavor official, never once going into debt to bring his vision to life. After that, he was always on the lookout for unique products that would help his customers in hopes of giving them more efficient ways to run their small businesses. Being at the forefront of the flourishing fast-food industry meant he helped plenty of iconic local restaurants sell their first hamburgers. He even introduced Utah to the first soft-serve ice cream machine! Eventually, he ended up proudly serving restaurants all over the Mountain West region.
As our founder, Orson’s legacy lives on in the walls of this company and we are forever grateful for his dedication and effort so we can still serve you all today. Since 1945, these goals have always been at the heart of Gygi’s as we continue to show up every day, connect with our customers, and bring in new and innovative items meant to help make life in the kitchen a little bit better. Thank you for supporting us through the years. Now each of you part of this family legacy, and we can’t wait to see where the next 80 years takes us.
