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Assemblymember Phil Steck Announces Cardona’s Market’s Official Recognition on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry

Assemblymember Phil Steck is proud to announce that Cardona’s Market, a longtime staple of the Capital Region, has been officially added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry following his nomination of the business. This prestigious recognition honors businesses that have played a vital role in New York’s economic and cultural heritage for more than 50 years.

Family-owned and founded in 1945 by Augusto Cardona shortly after his arrival from Italy, Cardona’s Market has grown from a small neighborhood market in downtown Albany into one of the region’s most beloved Italian specialty grocers and caterers. Having celebrated its 80th anniversary last year, Cardona’s continues to serve the Capital Region with the same commitment to quality, tradition, and community that has defined the business for generations.

Assemblymember Steck presented Cardona’s with a certificate commemorating its inclusion in the Registry during an event held at Cardona’s Latham Market location. He was joined by members of the Cardona family and company leadership to celebrate the milestone.

“Cardona’s Market represents the very best of what family-owned businesses bring to our communities,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck. “For eight decades, Cardona’s has been more than a place to shop. It has been a gathering place, a cultural touchstone, and a business that reflects the values of hard work, family, and service. Its longevity and success speak to the deep trust it has earned from generations of customers, and I was proud to nominate Cardona’s for inclusion in the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.”

Over the years, Cardona’s has expanded to three locations in Albany, Latham, and Saratoga Springs while remaining firmly rooted in its founding principles. The business is now led by the third generation of the Cardona family, with Robert Cardona Jr. serving as Executive Chef and overseeing the creation of the market’s signature prepared foods, while brothers August and Anthony Cardona, along with long-time family friend and co-owner TJ Conti, help manage operations across all locations.

Robert Cardona Jr. accepted the recognition on behalf of the business.

“Cardona’s Market’s placement on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry is a meaningful milestone for both our family and our community,” said Robert Cardona Jr. “We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Phil Steck and his office for recognizing our history within the Capital Region and helping to preserve and promote the legacy of long-standing New York businesses.”

Cardona’s Market has received numerous accolades in recent years, including being named the Albany Business Review’s 2024 Family Business of the Year and being voted Best Caterer of the Capital Region for the fourth consecutive year by Times Union readers.

The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry recognizes businesses that have demonstrated resilience, community impact, and historical significance. Assemblymember Steck’s nomination of Cardona’s Market ensures that the Cardona family’s legacy and contributions to the Capital Region will be recognized and preserved for generations to come.