Marina
St. Louis, Missouri – The city’s food scene is mourning the loss of Marjorie “Marge” Eileen Amighetti, the beloved founder of the Amighetti’s sandwich and a true culinary pioneer.
Marge, who passed away at the age of 97, transformed a small family bakery into one of St. Louis’ most celebrated sandwich shops.
Her innovation, determination, and passion for flavor created a food legacy that still thrives more than five decades later. Today, the Amighetti’s sandwich remains a staple at multiple St. Louis locations, and her story continues to inspire new generations of food lovers.
From Bakery to Sandwich Shop
In 1969, Marge Amighetti made a bold decision: to move beyond bread baking and venture into sandwiches. At the time, Amighetti’s was a well-known bakery on The Hill, a St. Louis, Missouri neighborhood famous for its Italian heritage.
- Marge spent eight months perfecting sandwich toppings and sauces, experimenting daily with what she called “little dishes.”
- She worked tirelessly to balance flavors, layering meats, cheeses, and fresh ingredients on her bakery’s signature bread.
- The result was the Amighetti’s Special, a sandwich that quickly became one of St. Louis’ most iconic foods.
Her vision turned a family bakery into a destination for food lovers across the city and beyond.
The Signature Amighetti’s Sandwich
The Amighetti’s Special became the heart of her legacy. What makes it so unforgettable?
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| Bread | Freshly baked Italian-style bread from Amighetti’s bakery |
| Meats | Layers of premium ham, salami, and roast beef |
| Cheese | Choice slices of provolone or American |
| Veggies | Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and pickles |
| Sauce | Marge’s secret blend of oils, seasonings, and spices |
The sandwich’s balance of flavors and textures has stood the test of time, making it a local classic with national recognition.
A Feisty Businesswoman
Those who worked with Marge describe her as both kind-hearted and feisty.
- She was known to quiz employees and co-owners about ingredients, costs, and orders, always ensuring the business maintained its high standards.
- Even in her later years, she remained curious and enthusiastic about customer feedback and new opportunities.
- She often remarked, “I must have done something right,” when she saw the continuing popularity of her sandwich.
Marge’s business acumen was as strong as her recipes, ensuring the survival and growth of Amighetti’s for decades.
Impact on St. Louis and Beyond
The influence of Marge Amighetti goes far beyond the walls of her shop:
- For St. Louis residents, her sandwich became a taste of home.
- Visitors to the city often made Amighetti’s a must-stop food destination.
- Stories and memories of eating the sandwich have spread across the country, proving that her creation had lasting cultural impact.
Her Motto and Philosophy
Marge lived by the motto: “Trust in God, believe in yourself, and dare to dream.”
This philosophy not only guided her business but also left a lasting impression on her family, employees, and the many St. Louisans who admired her work ethic and creativity.
Timeline of Marge Amighetti’s Legacy
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Transitioned Amighetti’s from a bakery into a sandwich shop |
| 1970s–80s | The Amighetti’s Special gained citywide popularity |
| 1990s–2000s | Expansion to multiple locations across St. Louis |
| 2010s–2020s | Continued family ownership and community presence |
| 2025 | Marge passes away at age 97, leaving behind an enduring food legacy |
Remembering Marge’s Contribution
For over 50 years, Amighetti’s sandwiches have been a symbol of St. Louis hospitality, tradition, and culinary excellence. Marge’s contributions went beyond food:
- She created jobs and opportunities for generations of St. Louis workers.
- She kept alive the Italian-American food culture of The Hill.
- She inspired entrepreneurs by proving that passion and persistence can create something timeless.
The passing of Marge Amighetti at 97 is a profound loss for St. Louis, but her legacy lives on in every bite of the Amighetti’s Special. What began as a bakery pivot in 1969 became a food institution that has stood strong for more than 50 years.
Marge’s story is one of innovation, dedication, and community spirit. She leaves behind not just a business, but a tradition woven into the fabric of St. Louis life.
For countless residents and visitors, her sandwiches are more than just food—they are memories, culture, and heritage that will continue to be celebrated for generations.