Sal's Italian Deli returning to Bristol Township. What to expect from this Bucks favorite
Do you miss going to the Total Liquidators in Bristol to grab yourself a Brooklyn pie, meatball parmigiana or Sicilian hoagie?
Well, you’re in for some good news.
Sal’s Italian Deli — which formerly operated out of the discount big box store off New Rodgers Road and Bristol Pike until closing last August — is back.
On July 11, Sal’s is opening the doors to its first brick-and-mortar shop at 2623 Durham Road in Bristol Township, a comeback nearly a year in the making.
Tony Canale is coming out of retirement and has partnered up with his son, Gaetano, to bring back the same cured meats, cheeses, sandwiches, pizzas and homemade Italian specialties that Sal’s is known for.
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From Sicily to Brooklyn to Bucks County: How it all began
Tony Canale’s introduction into the Italian restaurant business started in 1973, when he came to the U.S. from Siciliy at 18 to work at his uncle’s pizza shop in Brooklyn.
“I couldn’t even speak English. I learned everything from working in the pizza shop,” he said. “But one day I realized if I’m going to work my butt off for 12 hours a day, why don’t I do it for myself. And that’s when I opened my own shop.”
And that’s when he opened Italian Family Pizzeria in Bristol Borough in 1979, using many of the recipes he learned from his mom growing up and working with his uncle.
But much of the shop’s success didn’t come until 1986 when his wife, Nina, came over from Italy.
“Business had taken off all because of her cooking,” he said.
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The two of them kept the pizzeria going until 2016, when they sold it. The shop still operates to this day under the same name.
Four years later, Canale started Sal’s Italian Deli, named after his grandson, who was 7 at the time. Despite many unexpected setbacks — including the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and the eventual closing of Total Liquidators' Bristol location last year — the shop developed a strong following among local customers.
“I just died and went to Heaven,” wrote Peg Hambrecht in a Facebook post last summer. “I ordered a Sicilian Pizza from Sal's Italian Deli . . . It is the best Sicilian Pizza I have ever had!”
What’s on the menu at Sal’s Italian Deli?
Sal’s offers pizza, hot sandwiches, hoagies, cheesesteaks, chicken steaks, wings, homemade pasta and soups, salads, appetizers and desserts.
Popular items include their Roast Pork Sandwich, with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe; and their Sicilian Hoagie, made with sharp provolone, prosciutto, mortadella, sopressata, capicola, lettuce, tomato and onions.
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Canale’s pick? Nonna’s Favorite, meaning grandmother in Italian and named after his wife, it is made with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, roasted peppers, arugula and balsamic glaze vinegar.
And check out Mariella’s Shrimp Sandwich, their newest addition to the menu, made with grilled breaded shrimp, arugula, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
When is Sal’s Italian Deli open?
Starting July 11, Sal’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Does Sal’s Italian Deli offer delivery?
Yes, Sal’s offers lunchtime delivery from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Go: 2623 Durham Road in Bristol; 267-812-5130
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Sal's Italian Deli makes a comeback with its own Bristol storefront
