New deli brings simple sandwich concept to St. Matthews

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A new deli is now open in St. Matthews, and according to our partners at Louisville Business First, it’s focused on simplicity.

Called The Deli, the shop at 3801 Willis Ave. was created by husband-and-wife owners Bruce White and Julie Erwin as a back-to-basics neighborhood spot.

"I just felt like you go to so many restaurants, read the menu and everything is so complicated," Erwin said. "So we wanted to get back to the basics — a neighborhood deli where people meet, bring their grandchildren and enjoy a good sandwich and chips."

White and Erwin opened The Deli on March 16, taking over the 2,500-square-foot space formerly occupied by Kayrouz Café, which closed in January after more than 20 years.

The menu centers on a build-your-own sandwich concept with a variety of breads and proteins, along with soups, sides, cookies, brownies and other desserts.

The Deli is the couple’s second food venture. They operated the Cookie Cabin food truck for more than a decade before selling it in October.

Erwin said the idea came from both location and a gap in the neighborhood. The couple, who live about a mile away in Cherokee Gardens, were also inspired by the closure of the Cheddar Box in 2024.

"The Cheddar Box was a Cookie Cabin customer and a frequent lunch spot for us," Erwin said. "Every Saturday we’d say, ‘Wish we had a deli.’ So we opened one."

They invested about $100,000 into the business and currently employ six people. Both owners continue to work full-time jobs alongside running the deli.

The Deli is now open Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.