Melli's Deli to bring East Coast bites to Grand Haven's east side

GRAND HAVEN — A taste of the East Coast will soon be within reach on the east side of Grand Haven. 

An Italian eatery, Melli’s Deli, will open on Jan. 9 at 1115 Washington — across the street from Stanz and Frank’s Market. 

Melli’s Deli owner Owen Mulcahy said he is thrilled to take his culinary expertise to the quaint, eastside neighborhood and offer a fresh, new place to enjoy authentic Italian “high-quality food.”

The deli items that will be served both on side and “grab-n-go” style are inspired by the same cuisine he enjoys in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and the Bronx. Mulcahy’s father is from Long Island and his family spent many years visiting and dining at local eateries. 

“When we went to the East Coast, we always went into the city and out there every neighborhood had a little bodega. It was a fond memory for me and I always wanted something like that here,” he said.

And Mulcahy isn’t cutting any corners to deliver incredible options to his patrons.

Think “Sunday Sauce” — a rich, hearty Italian-American tomato sauce slow-cooked for hours with various cuts of meat served with pasta — carefully sliced Boar’s Head meats stacked high on fresh rye bread, authentically New York hot dogs and various sandwiches, soups and salads. 

Mulcahy said patrons can find gourmet sandwiches like Reubens, Pastrami on rye bread, Calabrese baguettes and “Beef on Weck” — a sandwich found primarily in Western New York State, particularly in the city of Buffalo. It is made with roast beef on a roll that is topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds.

Many of the items on the sandwiches can be purchased right there: A small grocer will be inside the 1,200-square-foot building as well, Mulcahy said. 

Bringing Long Island to Grand Haven

Mulcahy — who operated Skinny Fats food truck previously — said his childhood summers were spent in Long Island, where his father is from. His love for the East Coast cuisine never left him and he was thrilled when the Washington Avenue space became available to lease. 

“It’s a nice neighborhood spot and it’s really developing over there,” Mulcahy said. “This part of town is where I grew up, right here in Grand Haven. I used to go to Pffaf’s Pharmacy for milkshakes. It’s just a really good fit. I jumped on the space without even really having a plan. It’s my spot.”

Mulcahy leased the space in September and quickly started to build out the deli, which is named after an aunt of a close friend and former business partner. The Sicilian aunt, Carmella, often went by Melli.

“She really knows food and taught her family a lot about food,” Mulcahy said. “The name is catchy. I like the story behind it, so it’s kind of a tribute to her.” 

Mulcahy said he is excited to get the deli opened up to the public and showcase all the hard work he’s put into the new space. He added that, at some point, he would like to offer full “home-cooked meals.”