Popular SLO County deli closes for remodel, menu overhaul — and a name change

John Lynch
·4 min read

A popular San Luis Obispo County deli is undergoing a remodel and overhauling its menu as it transitions from grab-and-go meals to sit-down dining.

Branch Street Deli, located at 203 E Branch St in the Village of Arroyo Grande, is also changing its name to reflect its updated offerings, co-owner Michael Goodloe told The Tribune.

The eatery, a staple of the South County restaurant scene since 1997, will now be known as Branch Street Deli and Pizzeria.

That’s part of a push from deli co-owner Robert Spallino to add handmade pizzas to the menu, Goodloe said.

He and Spallino, who owns Pizzeria Bello Forno in Orcutt, bought Branch Street Deli in January 2022.

Goodloe said he and his business partner want to “elevate” the deli while maintaining its original appeal.

“I’ve worked in a lot of places, and what I’ve learned is if there’s a favorite or something that really sells, I don’t touch it,” he said.

Branch Street Deli closed its doors on Monday for renovations, which are expected to last about two weeks. After that, Goodloe said, the staff will receive a week of training.

Lunch service will open the following week, Goodloe said, and dinner service will return before the start of summer.

Here’s what diners can expect when the deli reopens, according to Goodloe.

Branch Street Deli closed Monday, April 3, 2023, to begin a remodel that will feature the addition of a pizza oven.
Branch Street Deli closed Monday, April 3, 2023, to begin a remodel that will feature the addition of a pizza oven.

Arroyo Grande restaurant plans remodel, menu changes

According to Goodloe, the deli’s interior and exterior will undergo extensive overhauls.

Some of the most noticeable changes inside the restaurant include new bathrooms, lighting, interior color scheme, tiling and ceilings, he said, as well as a bar that will wrap around a new hybrid wood- and gas-fired pizza oven from Italy.

Externally, work has already started changing the deli’s appearance.

The deli will add a new awning and signage reflecting its updated name, Goodloe said, and steel planters that will eventually house lemon and olive trees have already been installed.

“We are also installing a horse trailer that’s been converted into a beer and wine bar for our patio,” Goodloe said.

Additionally, some landscaping will be done near the patio to make room for an herb garden, he said.

The building isn’t the only part of the business that’s getting an update, Goodloe said.

He said the restaurant’s staff will get uniforms as part of a move to offer more upscale dining options.

Branch Street Deli closed April 3 to begin a remodel that will feature the addition of a pizza oven and significant internal and external renovations.
Branch Street Deli closed April 3 to begin a remodel that will feature the addition of a pizza oven and significant internal and external renovations.

Name change reflects new menu options

Changes to Branch Street Deli’s menu don’t stop with the addition of pizza, Goodloe said.

The restaurant is trimming down the overall number of options on its menu.

Favorites such as the tri-tip, pastrami and Godfather Italian sandwiches will still be sold, but with some updates, he said.

“Throughout the deli, we’re going to take a lot of favorites and we’re just going to try to elevate it,” he said, “with maybe a new bread or a different ingredient of higher quality.”

According to Goodloe, Branch Street Deli & Pizzeria will more closely resemble a full-sevice deli after the remodel, which will add a large, curved-glass cases for selling ingredients such as cold cut meats and cheeses.

Goodloe said the deli’s new menu will lean into comfort foods including barbecue ribs, fried chicken and fish dishes.

Farm-style salads, farm-to-table pastas and appetizers will round out the other food offerings, Goodloe said, with ingredients sourced from local farms and providers.

Branch Street Deli closed April 3 to begin a remodel that will feature the addition of a pizza oven and significant internal and external renovations.
Branch Street Deli closed April 3 to begin a remodel that will feature the addition of a pizza oven and significant internal and external renovations.

The wine selection at the deli will also undergo a significant expansion, Goodloe said, jumping from eight options to around 50.

“We really want to push food and wine here — a good family environment,” Goodloe said. “We’re also looking to incorporate gelato as part of the displays, so that people can come in the summertime and get a couple scoops of ice cream.”

Eventually, Goodloe said his goal is to expand the menu to include pre-made sandwiches and salads, which can fill the grab-and-go niche.

During sit-down dining, Goodloe said, the deli will switch to a table service model with waiters and cocktail service.

“The goal is to get into brunch on the weekends here and small, simple breakfast items throughout the week,” Goodloe said. “The favorites will always be there, but there will always be 30% to 40% of the menu that’s in and out, based on the season.”