Timeline

1970s to 1980s

The Second and Third Generations of the Durbans (John, Bill, Jack) and the First and Second Generations of the Eritanos (Tom, Tommy and David) continue in the food business (wholesaling, meat markets and meat distribution).

Both John and Bill Durban enjoyed over 40-years each working at Certified Grocers / Unified Grocers (eventually becoming vice-presidents.  John Durban ran the distribution and ordering departments while Bill Durban ran the Purchasing Departments. They saw the immense growth of Certified Grocers over the years which became the largest wholesaler on the planet at one time.  They helped retailers such as Gelson’s grow over time. Certified Grocers eventually was bought out by Supervalu then again, by UNFI.   They were also instrumental in helping the growth of today’s dominant Hispanic Supermarket chains grow (www.HiapanicRetailers.com).

Growing in their careers in the 1970’s to the 1990’s, both John and Bill Durban were instrumental in helping with retailers such at that time (Mayfair, Hughes Markets, Boys Markets, Jensen’s and Market Basket stores) as well as today’s dominant local chains such as Gelson’s, Superior Markets, Cardenas Markets, Wolfe’s Markets, Vallarta Markets, Super One, Northgate Markets and many others.

Second Generation (The Durbans)

John Durban

John Durban was born in Akron, Ohio in 1934 and soon after started working in the family’s supermarkets at a young age.  Once the Durban’s sold the supermarket business and moved to Southern California (in the early 1950’s), John was involved with the new Durban Meats’ locations. Once he graduated High School, he wanted to continue his food industry career by joining Certified Grocers (1956).  Over the year’s he grew into becoming a very important asset to Certified Grocers by being in-charge of the product ordering department (eventually growing into a vice-president position). Over the years he gained the respect and friendship of supermarket chain owners throughout the West (including Super A Foods, Superior Markets, Gelson’s, Jon’s Supermarkets and many others).

Bill Durban

Bill Durban was also born in Akron, Ohio (younger brother of John). He also started working in the family’s supermarkets at a young age. Once the Durban’s sold the supermarket business and moved to Southern California (in the early 1950’s), Bill grew up helping with the newest Durban’s Meats locations. Following John Durban’s path, Bill also started his food career at Certified Grocers. Bill was involved in the purchasing departments at Certified Grocers eventually becoming one of the managing buyers. Bill was instrumental in creating best practices within the buying department; creating innovative in-store marketing campaigns; the Certified Grocers private label programs (ex: Springfield); and was instrumental in being a partner and advisor for the annual Certified Grocers trade show in Los Angeles. Vendors from national companies such as Nestle, Kellogg’s, Proctor and Gamble, Carnation and many others were very good friends with Bill over the years, together creating the best buying programs for retailers such as Alpha Beta and Hughes.

Second Generation (The Eritanos)

Our Cousins, Tommy and David (also part-timer, Russell) and Uncle Monte carried on with Tommy and David’s legacy in the meat market and meat distribution business. They not only had a small chain of butcher shops they also created a dominant regional Southern California meat and grocery distribution distribution business (Kern County, Los Angeles County) that was eventually bought out by the number one food service wholesaler in the world, Sysco.

Tommy Eritano

Our Cousins, Tommy and David (also part-timer, Russell) and Uncle Monte carried on with Uncle Tom’s legacy in the meat market and meat distribution business.  They not only had a small chain of butcher shops they also created a dominant regional Southern California meat and grocery distribution distribution business (Kern County, Los Angeles County) that was eventually bought out by the number one food service wholesaler in the world, Sysco.  During their heyday, they distributed to 100’s of accounts throughout Southern California.

David Eritano

Monte Durban

Our Uncle Monte, was involved in the Eritano meat distribution business. Uncle Monte was involved in helping manage the day-to-day operations, routing the drivers and daily deliveries as well was involved in helping with the sales operations. He was instrumental in helping land customers such as the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, California, the Arvin Union School District, Bakersfield City School District, Caliente Union Elementary School District, Coco’s Restaurants, Carrow’s Restaurants, Hughes Markets and many others (over the years).