Yanni’s Sausages Named Small Biz of the Year in Sonoma County

PENNGROVE – John Vrattos’ 30-year career in food service had just ended when he received a Christmas gift that would chart his new course. With a kitchen mixer he got from one of his kids, John – or Yanni in Greek -- began trying to replicate the Greek Loukaniko sausage his mom made when he was growing up. His experiment was a success. Yanni and his wife, Francesca, launched a business in 2009 making Greek and Italian sausages that have since won accolades and a place on grocery shelves across Northern California.

“We are still humbled by how much people love our sausages,” John Vrattos said.

For the Vrattos’ commitment to quality and their outstanding success, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, has named Yanni’s Sausages of Penngrove the Senate District Three small business of the year for 2018 for Sonoma County.

“It is truly inspiring to see the way John and Francesca have turned their vision into a reality,” Senator Dodd said. “I applaud their achievement and wish them the best as they pursue more great sausages.”

Husband and wife first offered their sausages through a restaurant they founded. They closed the eatery earlier this year to focus on sausage-making for retail stores. Accolades include Sonoma County Harvest Fair double gold medals in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and they have won “best charcuterie” honors. The Vrattos have donated thousands of pounds of sausage to the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

(Photo L to R: John and Francesca Vrattos)

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.