Fairfield Small Business Spotlight: Carl Brandt, Inc.

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Carl Brandt, Inc.
Owners: Susanne Settineri
Website: www.carlbrandt.com, www.facebook.com/carlbrandt.com
Address: 140 Sherman Street, Fairfield, CT 06824

How did you come up with the name?

The founder of the company, Carl Brandt, named the business.

Why start a business in this town?

I chose to raise my family in Fairfield and enjoy participating in the Fairfield community.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Importing specialty foods such as cookies, chocolate, wafers, marzipan, stollen and nectars.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The most difficult challenge is keeping abreast in foreign food regulations, managing finances and human resources.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

I am very happy to be able to help and participate in the community by donating food to the less fortunate, sponsoring local events and seeing my father elected into the Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We enjoy donating food and water to Operation Hope in Fairfield and also participate in the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Internship Program.

Want to see your business featured in this column? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.