Vincent Gruppuso facts for kids
Vincent Gruppuso was an American businessman. He was born on October 25, 1940, and passed away on December 29, 2007. He is famous for creating Kozy Shack. This company makes delicious puddings and became very successful.
His Early Years
Vincent Gruppuso was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father worked in construction. His mother was a seamstress, making clothes.
In the late 1950s, Vincent joined the United States Navy. He worked as an aerial photographer. This means he took pictures from airplanes. After the Navy, he returned to Brooklyn. He had different jobs. Later, he became a deliveryman for Arnold Bread company.
Starting Kozy Shack
Vincent Gruppuso continued delivering bread in Brooklyn during the 1960s. One of his stops was a small shop called Cozy Shack. This shop made tasty puddings. Vincent started selling these puddings to his other customers. He sold them along with the bread he delivered.
In 1967, Vincent bought the pudding recipe from Cozy Shack. He then opened a small factory in Ridgewood, Queens. His small company quickly grew into a big business.
Kozy Shack's Growth
By 2008, Kozy Shack had over 400 employees. They worked in three different factories. These factories were in Turlock, California, Hicksville, New York, and Lough Egish, Ireland.
In 2007, the company made about $140 million. They sold 115 million containers of pudding and pastries that year. Kozy Shack puddings are now sold in many places. You can find them in the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Canada.
In 2006, the New York Times newspaper praised Kozy Shack's rice pudding. They called it one of their "Grocery Gems." In 2012, a company called Land O'Lakes bought Kozy Shack Enterprises.
Later Life and Passing
Vincent Gruppuso passed away at his home. This was in East Hampton, New York. He died on December 29, 2007, at 67 years old. He had complications from diabetes. He is remembered by his three daughters, his brother, his sister, and five grandchildren.
