Today in Wheeling History: October 16--Dominic Agostino, founder of Aladdin Food Management Services Inc., born in Brooklyn, NY (1931).
Dominic V. Agostino, born on October 16, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, became a pivotal figure in Wheeling, West Virginia's business landscape. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Agostino worked as a pastry chef in New York City and for various establishments. His career led him to ARA Services Corp. of Philadelphia, where he served as district manager for several states. In 1966, Agostino moved to Wheeling, laying the foundation for his future enterprise. On June 14, 1978, he founded Aladdin Food Management Services Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew from a single college account to over 50 accounts across multiple states, employing 1,200 workers with 200-225 based in Wheeling. Agostino's achievements earned him accolades, including the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Saint Mary's College and the 1996 West Virginia Area Entrepreneur of the Year. Although Agostino passed away in 2010, his legacy continues. Today, the company operates as Aladdin Campus Dining, serving over 150 client partners in higher education across the United States. While now headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Aladdin's roots in Wheeling remain a testament to Agostino's entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the city's history.
To learn mores: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/yr8dhf3b); Bizapedia (https://tinyurl.com/2bd2y7w3), Aladdin Campus Dining (https://tinyurl.com/yc3huvcw)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
Dominic V. Agostino, born on October 16, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, became a pivotal figure in Wheeling, West Virginia's business landscape. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Agostino worked as a pastry chef in New York City and for various establishments. His career led him to ARA Services Corp. of Philadelphia, where he served as district manager for several states. In 1966, Agostino moved to Wheeling, laying the foundation for his future enterprise. On June 14, 1978, he founded Aladdin Food Management Services Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew from a single college account to over 50 accounts across multiple states, employing 1,200 workers with 200-225 based in Wheeling. Agostino's achievements earned him accolades, including the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Saint Mary's College and the 1996 West Virginia Area Entrepreneur of the Year. Although Agostino passed away in 2010, his legacy continues. Today, the company operates as Aladdin Campus Dining, serving over 150 client partners in higher education across the United States. While now headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Aladdin's roots in Wheeling remain a testament to Agostino's entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the city's history.
To learn mores: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/yr8dhf3b); Bizapedia (https://tinyurl.com/2bd2y7w3), Aladdin Campus Dining (https://tinyurl.com/yc3huvcw)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
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