Cardona’s Market — a three-generation Italian specialty market and caterer for more than 80 years – marked its business milestone throughout 2025 with numerous donations to the communities that it has served for eight decades. The culmination of its year-long celebration will feature the donation of eight Thanksgiving meals to families facing food insecurity.
Cardona’s customers are being asked to share the spirit of giving by nominating a family in need. Names of prospective recipients can be posted confidentially in a direct message on Cardona’s Instagram or Facebook platforms by Thursday, Nov. 20. Cardona’s will randomly select eight families from the nominations it receives.
“For many of us, holidays represent a time of celebration and coming together with family and friends to enjoy each other’s company and a delicious meal. But not every family can afford this simple pleasure,” said Cardona’s Co-Owner and Executive Chef Robert Cardona, Jr. “Cardona’s wants to assist with Thanksgiving for eight families this year, as part of our 80th anniversary celebration. We’re asking our guests to assist us by identifying families who are experiencing food insecurity.”
The donated Thanksgiving meal is identical to what Cardona’s will be offering on its catering menu and will serve four to six people and include a fully cooked and carved half turkey (deboned minus the leg and wing) served in turkey au jus with a side of homemade turkey gravy. Accompaniments include whipped potatoes, sweet potato souffle, Italian herbed stuffing, garlic green beans, arancini with marinara, cranberry relish, dinner rolls and a pie. Guests can order the Thanksgiving meal that serves four to six people for pick-up and reheat for $199.
Cardona’s catered Thanksgiving menu also features a turkey dinner that serves 10 to 12 people and includes a fully cooked and carved whole bird (deboned minus legs and wings) served in turkey au jus with a side of homemade turkey gravy. Accompaniments include whipped potatoes, sweet potato souffle, Italian herbed stuffing, garlic green beans, arancini with marinara, cranberry relish, dinner rolls and one each of an apple and pumpkin pie. The meal will be offered for pick-up and reheat only for $399. Reheat instructions will be available on Cardona’s website.
A la carte catered options include:
- “Just the Bird.” Deboned (except the legs and wings), brined and fully cooked, sliced and ready to reheat for the holiday. Still moist during reheating with turkey au jus in base of the pan for $115.
- “Just the Half Bird.” Deboned (except the leg and wing), brined and fully cooked turkey, sliced and ready to reheat for the holiday. Retains moisture with turkey au jus in base of the pan for $60.
- House-Made Turkey Gravy by the quart for $14.99.
- Cranberry Relish by the quart. (Dairy-free, Gluten-free and Vegan). House made with fresh cranberries and orange essence for $12.99.
- Arancini (Rice Balls). (Vegetarian), made with Arborio rice, mozzarella and parmigiana cheeses, panko breading served with marinara for $30 for 12 pieces, $60 for 24 pieces.
- Garlic Green Beans. (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan) for $28 small, $50 for large.
- Sweet Potato Souffle (Gluten Free, Vegetarian) for $30 small, $55 for large.
- Whipped Potatoes (Gluten Free, Vegetarian) for $30 small, $55 for large
- Italian Herbed Stuffing for $28 small, $50 for large
Cardona’s also offers a variety of Thanksgiving desserts available for pre-order, including:
A La Carte Dessert Menu includes Double Crust Apple Pie ($24), Apple Crumb Pie ($20), Pumpkin Pie ($20), Banana Cream Pie ($20), Blueberry Pie ($20), Blueberry Crumb Pie ($20), Cherry Pie ($20), Cherry Crumb Pie ($20), Pecan Pie ($24), Tollhouse Pie ($24) and Chocolate Cream Pie ($20). Specialty dessert platters, featuring assortments of brownies, cookies, cannoli’s and more, are also available.
The deadline for placing Thanksgiving catering orders is Friday, November 21 by Noon.
Cardona’s Market features three convenient locations at 340 Delaware Avenue in Albany; 9 Cobbee Road in Latham; and 222 Washington Street in Saratoga Springs. The Albany and Latham markets are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the Saratoga market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All three locations are open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cardona’s Market was named 2024 Family Business of the Year by the Albany Business Review and was once again voted Best Caterer of the Capital Region for the fourth consecutive year by Times Union readers.
For more information about Cardona’s Market, call (518) 434-4838 or visit CardonasMarket.com