The Gioia's Deli 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.
     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.

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