John Caporaso: From Family Roots to Future Growth: The Mercato Story

For John Caporaso, the family deli was much more than a shop. 

It was where he grew up, did his homework, ate dinner and absorbed the everyday lessons of business. 

In Episode 12 of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno reconnects with someone he has known since childhood to explore how those early experiences helped shape Mercato’s development.

John reflects on working outside the family business at Bianco before returning to take ownership. 

With support from his parents and trusted advisers, he began building on an established reputation for quality, freshness and service. 

He explains how direct importing opened the door to wholesale opportunities, and why sourcing from family businesses mattered more than simply finding the cheapest products.

The conversation then turns to Mercato’s move from Campbelltown to North Adelaide and the thinking behind its evolving mix of retail and hospitality. 

John discusses changing shopping habits, the demand for convenience and his ambition to create a business relevant for the next 20 to 25 years. 

His story offers a useful perspective on expanding into related activities while staying connected to a clear purpose.

At the heart of the episode is the human side of business. Peter and John discuss learning from mistakes, treating staff with kindness and creating a workplace where people feel safe and valued. 

From protecting a family legacy to making decisions that support staff, customers and suppliers, John’s message is encouraging and straightforward: keep evolving, care for people and always do the right thing.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: [email protected]

Guest: John Caporaso

John Caporaso is the Managing Director of Mercato, an Adelaide family business centred on Italian food, wine and culture. Founded by his parents, Imma and Mario Caporaso, in 1972, the business became part of John’s upbringing. John and his wife, Rose, took ownership in 1999, continuing its development while maintaining a strong connection to its family roots. Mercato

In this episode, John shares his experiences of business succession, importing, wholesale and Mercato’s move to North Adelaide. His approach combines a commitment to quality and service with care for staff, customers, suppliers and the wider community.

Phone: ‭(08) 8337 1808

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City