Our History
A legacy of dedication
Papania Produce is one of the oldest continuously operated businesses in Lexington and is a major source of the fruits and vegetables served throughout the Bluegrass.
1896
Guiseppe Papania, a young immigrant from Palermo, Sicily, opened a fruit and vegetable store on South Broadway near where the Civic Center now stands.
1927
A three-story warehouse with modern refrigerated storage rooms was completed on Old Vine Street.
1968
Sam Sr.’s sons , Sam Jr. and Joe III, then moved the company to a site off Winchester Road, due to urban renewal and the removal of the railroad tracks in downtown Lexington.
2016
With over 35 years of industry experience at Papania Produce, General Manager John Michalski now leads operations.
2016
With over 35 years of industry experience at Papania Produce, General Manager John Michalski now leads operations.