Some of Our History

Lanning’s Foods is a family business specializing in both wholesale and retail sales of fresh beef, pork, poultry, produce, and dairy. Bernard Lanning started the business in Mount Vernon in 1969. The Lanning family operated the business at a previous location until 1989.

In 1989 the Gilardi family purchased the business. Sam Gilardi and Steve Gilardi brought many years of experience to the food business. The business has shown steady growth in both wholesale and retail sales.

In 1999 the business moved two miles closer to Mount Vernon and broke ground for the existing facility at 1033 Newark Road. Our new modern facility is USDA inspected which allows us to offer many new items that we could not provide at the previous facility.

Where We Are Today

Lanning’s Foods is now being operated by the highly capable hands of third-generation family members: Zach Phillippi, Austen Gilardi, and Steven Gilardi. All three of these gentlemen are lifelong residents of Knox County. They are active members of the community and fully intend to raise their families in the Knox county area. They are very excited to experience the future changes in the industry and adapt the business practices to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the fresh food industry. The mission now and always has been to offer the freshest and healthiest foods available at an affordable price to our community and the surrounding area today and for many years to come.

"We at Lanning's Foods are quite proud of the service we provide and of the clients we work with."

Lanning's Timeline

Lanning’s Foods is a family business specializing in both wholesale and retail sales of fresh beef, pork, poultry, produce, and dairy. Bernard Lanning started the business in Mount Vernon in 1969. The Lanning family operated the business at a previous location until 1989.

In 1989 the Gilardi family purchased the business. Sam and Steve Gilardi brought many years of experience to the food business. The business has shown steady growth in both wholesale and retail sales.

In 1999 the business moved two miles closer to Mount Vernon and broke ground for the existing facility at 1033 Newark Road. Our new modern facility is USDA inspected which allows us to offer many new items that we could not provide at the previous facility.

Our Team

“Our team works closely together to turn out the best for our best customer, you.”

In addition to strong personal involvement from Sam and Steve’s family, Lanning’s employs 90 full-time experienced employees.

This high-energy group takes great pride in producing the best possible products, both wholesale and retail, on the market. From our custom-shaped patties and our perfectly cut steaks to the products offered in our retail store, our team works closely together to offer the best product for the best customer – you.

About 1

Zach Phillippi

Co-Owner
Finance Director
740.397.2751 ext. 243
About 2

Steven Gilardi

Co-Owner
Director of Operations
740.397.2751 ext. 235
About 3

Austen Gilardi

Co-Owner
Food Safety Coordinator
740.397.2751 ext. 242
About 4

Jim Dye

General Manager
Produce Director
740.397.2751 ext. 225

About 5

Susan Combs

Asst. Director of Operations
Human Resources Director
740.397.2751 ext. 221
About 6

Bob Tier


Retail Store Manager
740.397.2751 ext. 228

Service Area

Lanning’s proudly serves every market in and around Ohio. Our company owns and operates a fleet of refrigerated trucks ensuring a consistent, reliable solid “cold” chain from farm to you.

Our retail – wholesale facility, easily located just outside of Mt. Vernon, Ohio on State Rt. 13, serves not only as our base of operations but as a pickup point for many local restaurants and commercial accounts.