A Closer Look At Fortessa
An In-Depth Look at Fortessa Flatware
If you’re looking for something especially classy, look no further than Fortessa flatware. You’ll find whimsical pieces, like fish forks, espresso spoons and even chopsticks, that competitors simply don’t offer. Another elegant touch is the punched Fortessa logo. Such luxury is more commonly found on high-end European flatware.
Many loyal customers had never heard of Fortessa, which is relatively new on the scene, until they inquired about the silverware in their favorite upscale restaurants.
History
Fortessa Tableware Solutions was created in 1993 by brothers Eric Hamberger and Scott Hamberger. Fortessa products are made in 60 small factories around the world. Innovation is the name of the game for the Hambergers, and it shows in everything they turn out.
Eric and Scott laugh when they talk about operations in the early days. Armed with the Yellow Pages, they visited all the fine restaurants within a two-hour drive and delivered samples. When they made a sale, they returned to the warehouse, packed up the order and delivered it themselves.
They began offering complete tabletop options, including flatware, glassware and accessories, in 1997. Despite their unsophisticated marketing strategy, they must have done something right; the worst year in company history saw a 40 percent growth.
Fortessa initially secured partnerships with hotels, restaurants and prominent retailers like Sur La Table. The brothers credit cooking shows and word of mouth for their expansion into homes. Everyone suddenly wanted to entertain and do things like the celebrity chefs. The Hambergers started getting calls from people who wanted the same flatware or wine decanter that they used at so-and-so restaurant. Fortessa also partners with Schott Zwiesel, a 142-year-old German company that many consider to be the finest maker of glassware in the world. Top chefs, sommeliers, restaurant owners and private customers like you take cocktail or wine service to a whole new level with Zwiesel stemware and accessories.
In no time at all, Eric and Scott were providing solutions for private hosts.
Quality, value, service and passion for their products have earned the respect of private customers and retailers alike. The brothers’ ever-expanding repertoire is created with the user’s comfort, aesthetic sensibilities and changing needs in mind. They specialize in 18/10 stainless steel with the ideal heft for comfort. There are no shortcuts or compromises.
The versatile, durable, well-balanced designs can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Thanksgiving feasts, wedding receptions, backyard barbecues and romantic candlelit dinners are more memorable because of Fortessa tableware.
Brides-to-be will be delighted with our wide selection of Fortessa flatware patterns, which is one of the largest in the industry. Here are a few examples of the unique Fortessa options:
Caviar
The delicate beading suggests fine caviar. Another attractive feature is the banding between the handle and the tines, bowl or blade of each piece.
Metropolitan
The chic, slightly retro design appears on the front and back of every piece. Finely serrated, solid-handled knives are well-balanced and efficient. You may order pieces of this pattern individually.
San Marco
The highly polished finish on this graceful, traditional design will add elegance to even a casual brunch setting. The complete set includes five forks, five knives and six spoons. The dainty fish fork and knife and the tiny espresso spoon are hard to resist.
San Marco is also available in an antiqued finish.
Provencal Steak Knife Set
Remember to browse our stunning collection of Schott Zwiesel glassware and accessories. If you don’t see a particular flatware or glassware design on our website, just give us a call. We can order it for you.
Whether you’re choosing a wedding gift or starting your own collection, our engraving service will make your selections even more personal.