Our Story

In 1918, Challie Gioia built Gioia’s Deli, which still stands today,
at Macklind and Daggett. The native of Marcallo, Italy  began his
life in the grocery business by opening Gioia’s Deli. The Gioia’s
Deli building was  constructed of wood and brick from the 1904
St. Louis Worlds Fair. The Gioia Family conducted  business at 1934
Macklind on “The Hill” as a grocery store and purveyors of their
homemade sausage called  Salam de Testa.  It is now the oldest
family owned business on the hill. Steve and Johnnie Gioia added a
lunch trade to the family business featuring the Salam de Testa.
This coveted recipe is known today as Hot Salami.

The Gioia Family

    A new era began in 1980 when the Donley family bought Gioia's
Deli and turned the grocery store into a sandwich shop. Gioia’s Deli
prides itself on  serving St. Louis’ favorite sandwich, the
Hot Salami. Gioia’s serves an assortment of premium meats accompanied
by homemade salads, soups and  desserts. Cathy and her son Alex
carry on the Gioia’s tradition by offering the best delicatessen
fare St. Louis has to offer.

Cathy and the Boys