Gioia’s Deli to open second location downtown

After a mere 98 years of consideration, Gioia’s Deli is opening a second location. Gioia’s Deli Downtown will open by April 1 in the former Sauce on the Side space at 903 Pine St.

“The food truck was key,” said co-owner Alex Donley. “We were able to take the truck to new markets and through the food quality, it created a frenzy. The downtown frenzy was the most powerful.”

The new location will seat about 40 people and will serve the lunch crowd to start, with tentative opening hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The walk-up deli counter will serve up the same menu as the flagship location on The Hill with a few additions. “We have a base of loyal downtown, truck customers,” said Donley. “They have come up with some sandwiches that will be at the new location.”

Look for the customer-created Hog Father with hot salami, bacon and hot coppa on garlic-cheese bread or the Strongman, created by a Wells Fargo employee that features hot salami, hot roast beef, hard salami and giardiniera.

While the food truck is popular in St. Louis County, it will stay on the scene downtown during the week to serve customers farther away from the new brick and mortar. Prior to opening, the Donleys plan to park the truck in front of the new location.