How a Boy Who Made Suits in a Sicilian Home Factory Became a Bay Area Legend

After immigrating from Sicily in 1965 with his four brothers, Peter Cassara built one of the Bay Area’s most recognized tailoring businesses.

In this episode of Bay Area Innovators, Peter shares how his family left Palermo in search of opportunity, arriving in Palo Alto with little more than skill and determination. From opening Casara Brothers in Sunnyvale to building his own brand, Peter Cassara Clothiers, he reflects on 50 years of craftsmanship in Silicon Valley.

He discusses tailoring suits for athletes and community leaders, surviving the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic, adapting to online retail, and why alterations have become a “lost art.” For Peter, the real reward wasn’t just selling suits — it was making people feel confident.

Now preparing to retire and return to Sicily, Peter reflects on legacy, family, and what it means to serve a community for half a century.

Watch the full interview for a story about immigration, entrepreneurship, resilience, and the pride of mastering a craft.