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[title]In the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Almagro, there’s a shop that has won the hearts—and palates—of locals for over 60 years: La Esquina de las Aceitunas. Founded in 1958 by a Greek immigrant family, this business has transcended generations and become a must-visit for those seeking the best selection of olives and preserves.
Its history is marked by the legacy of the Katsaounis family, who, through their dedication and passion, turned this corner of Buenos Aires into a symbol of quality and tradition. Since arriving in Argentina, Constantino dreamed of “making it big,” and he achieved this from his shop in Almagro.
How Did La Esquina de las Aceitunas Come About?
The origin of this business traces back to Constantino Katsaounis, the great-uncle of Claudio—current owner of La Esquina de las Aceitunas—who was born in Larissa, Greece. Like many immigrants of his time, Constantino arrived in Argentina at the age of twelve, seeking opportunities. From his early days as a deliveryman, he worked his way up until he opened his own shop in Almagro in 1958, which was an immediate success. “The business started by selling wholesale, and initially, the customers were traditional pizzerias,” says Claudio.
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Claudio’s father, who also worked in the store, was responsible for customer service and sales. After his death in 1989, Claudio took over and continued the family legacy. His mother, Milagros, also played a crucial role in the business, supporting her husband and later her son in the daily operations.
Claudio Katsaounis proudly shares the story of his great-uncle, who never imagined his small venture into the world of olives would become a true legacy. As he tells us, this effort allowed his great-uncle to return to Greece in 1967, a dream he thought was unattainable. “His dedication to work opened many doors, and he was able to visit his hometown,” he says, noting that today, the shop’s walls are adorned with photos and mementos that tell the story of the business and the Katsaounis family.
The connection with Gabriel Mezquida, an olive producer from Mendoza, was pivotal in the development of the business. Gabriel, who had had bad experiences with olive sales in the past, was drawn to Constantino’s work ethic. This relationship turned into a solid partnership that lasted until the death of both partners.
What’s Inside La Esquina de las Aceitunas?
Since its opening, the store has been a meeting point for neighbors and lovers of good food. As soon as customers step up the two stairs and enter, the strong scent of olives fills the air, inviting everyone to take a deep breath. The green and black olives shine in their jars, ready to delight the senses. It’s a pleasure to see them floating in brine in the 16 blue barrels. It would be tempting to reach in and grab them directly from the barrels.
"As soon as customers step up the two stairs and enter, the strong scent of olives makes everyone take a deep breath"
Since Claudio joined the business, he expanded the offering beyond traditional olives. Today, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of products, from pickles to handmade jams, all crafted with the same care and attention that characterized its founder.
The store features a tasting area where customers can try different varieties of olives and preserves. Customer service is a core pillar, and the staff, with years of experience, is trained to provide advice on the different options.
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The variety of olives the store offers is amazing: green, black, unsalted, and up to 15 types of fillings, ranging from crab and provolone cheese to more exotic combinations like anchovies and peppers. Additionally, the business expanded its offering to include pickled peppers, cucumbers, pickles, legumes, spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds, jams, preserves, and exotic meats like pheasant, wild boar, lamb, and vizcacha. La Esquina de las Aceitunas is also known for its selection of artisanal olive oils and vinegars, which complement its product range perfectly.
As the store grew, Claudio maintained a close relationship with his suppliers from La Rioja, who offer a product of exceptional quality that, in his opinion, is unmatched by other regions. “Every time I visit them, they receive me exceptionally, and that translates into the quality of our olives,” he concludes.
In the 90s, Claudio transformed the business by adding retail sales. One of the most popular orders was a kilo of massive olives, a mix of colossal green ones and giant black ones. Since the 90s, it has been common to see lines of customers outside waiting for their turn. The minimum purchase is a quarter kilo, and many regulars take home the brine (which comes as a gift) to preserve their olives for over a year.
The store also offers a version of the olives called “The Founder’s Olives.” This recipe includes touches of oregano and ground chili, just like Constantino liked them, often enjoyed with a glass of vermouth and a splash of soda.
Where: Guardia Vieja 3602, Almagro