Since many Italian Americans became property owners, they were able to use the land for farming and other industry. Their modest homes and small farms would often grow into commercial properties and large farms. However, most Italian-Americans would turn to food as their initial foray into business.

Urban Italian-American women started small businesses by extending their kitchen to the streets. Their family recipies, most of which came from Italy, became popular within the ethnic communities and beyond. Diners and small restaurants replaced the roadside stands and soon the Italian American cucina became a national hit.