NEW YORK — A $2 million investment from consumer venture studio Night and Shrug Capital is growing Monte’s Fine Foods’ team, product line and national distribution.

“Most of our bets are on helping artists become CEOs,” said Ben Mathews, general partner at Night. “But with Monte’s, we found a CEO who’s already a star — and building a brand with the same gravitational pull. It’s a perfect match: an undeniably great product, a magnetic founder, and a clear understanding of how to use content to build cultural relevance.”

Monte’s Fine Foods launched in 2020 to continue the family legacy that began in the restaurant industry in 1885. The pasta sauce emerged from a family recipe developed in 1906.

Photo: Ian Shiver

In 2018, PJ Monte, founder and chief executive officer of Monte’s Fine Foods, began refining the sauce formulation and eventually started selling it to specialty shops in New York, according to the company. Today, the pasta sauces come in three flavors, including sweet pepper, family recipe and spicy tomato.

The startup also expanded its line to include dried pasta this May with the launch of two shapes: 3 Buchi and Rotolini.

“Monte’s has grown through grassroots momentum — creative partnerships, community, and a deep respect for quality and legacy,” said PJ Monte. “Night shares our belief that storytelling and substance go hand in hand. With their support, we’re ready to scale that vision.” 

Enjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.