What is wrong with this sandwich? Nothing.
Gioia’s Deli has four locations in the St. Louis area and is open every day except Sunday. Visit here for the mouthwatering menu.
It began in 1918
Gioia’s was founded in 1918 by Charlies Gioia, a native of Marcallo, Italy. Thanks to this deli’s homemade sausage, Hot Salami, people are ordering this shipped to their front door.
The Hot Salami consists of beef, pork, and spices. Freshly made in-house for over a century, and named a James Beard American Classic in 2017. Owner since 2016, Alex Donley, has been carrying on this deli’s tradition. However, his family has been involved with the deli even before then.
Gioia’s roast beef and hot salami.Photo byFacebook/Gioia’s Deli.
In 1980, Arlene Donley, Alex’s grandmother, purchased the deli from Steve and John Gioia who were second-generation brothers of the Gioia family. At that time, it was operating more like a small grocery store.
Arlene and her daughter, Cathy, who is Alex’s mother, decided to hone in on the wants of customers. They moved away from grocery items to sandwiches. In 1990, Cathy was running the store. It’s endearing to learn that her three sons would go there after school to help and one of those sons was Alex who was passionate about the deli.