It's a done deal - Di Bruno Bros., the Philly food institution, is leveling up with a financial boost from a local bigwig. The renowned Italian specialty food shop, a gem in Philadelphia's culinary crown for 85 years, is now tethered to Jeff Brown, the supermarket magnate with designs on taking Di Bruno to the next echelon of foodie delight.

Jeff Brown, known for his grocery empire and a run for city mayor, has become a secured creditor of Di Bruno Bros, revealed in a deal poised to sprinkle some of Brown's retail magic on the gourmet retailer. Lending their financial weight to the brand, the Brown family intends to infuse Di Bruno with their "retail experience, technology acumen, and systems," according to a statement Sandy Brown gave to the Business Journal. The family is safeguarding their investment as a secured creditor, which, for the uninitiated, means they've got collateral backing their bucks.

While details on the big bucks involved in the deal remain under wraps, what's clear is the creation of two new entities, DB Gourmet Brands and DB Gourmet Markets, bearing the Brown family seal - specifically, Jeff Brown's son Joshua. This was confirmed in a shared statement by Di Bruno and Brown, which also squashed weeks of industry whispers about the deal.

Di Bruno’s which employs around 250 workers, finds its match in Brown's Super Stores Inc, an operator boasting a workforce of roughly 2,300 souls across Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Describing the joint endeavor as a shot at "retail excellence," Sandy Brown – sitting atop Brown’s as chairwoman and executive vice president – showed her cards in a statement of commitment to Di Bruno's legacy. Bill Mignucci, Di Bruno’s president, echoed her sentiment, airing his confidence that Brown's family business acumen will preserve the heart and soul of Di Bruno’s.

Jeff and Sandy Brown's approach to business isn't just about the bottom line; it's stitching the community fabric. The Browns have won kudos for their social feats, planting supermarkets in food deserts, granting shelf space to small-timers, and handing jobs to individuals getting a second chance post-incarceration. No doubt, food lovers and social watchdogs alike will be keeping a close eye on how this infusion of capital will churn the wheels at Di Bruno Bros. in the days ahead.