Work ‘finally’ begins on second location of beloved Sam’s Deli in Fresno

Construction has begun in north Fresno on the second location of Sam’s Italian Deli and Market — which could be open to customers by this time next year.

Sam’s Deli said Wednesday on social media that demolition work started at its new space in the Villagio shopping center at Blackstone and Nees avenues. The announcement comes more than two years after the deli announced it was seeking to open a store there.

“It’s finally happening!” the post says. “And don’t worry — our original First Street location isn’t going anywhere. We’re simply growing & can’t wait to bring the same food, wine & hospitality to our new space.”

Sam’s Deli opened 46 years ago at First Street and Clinton Avenue. It has become famous for its sandwiches and array of Italian food products, including sliced meats, cheeses, breads and wines. In 2023, the deli was included in Yelp’s top 100 U.S. restaurants list.

The business’ new location is taking over space previously occupied by Sierra Nut House, which closed its Villagio location in February and recently opened a new one in the Pavilion West Shopping Center on Bullard and West.

Sierra Nut House owner JoAnne Sorrenti told The Bee in 2024 she wanted to stay in Villagio but had no resentment toward Sam’s Deli owner Nick Marziliano, who she called a friend.

The deli’s social media announcement says its Villagio location could open by spring 2027.

New Sam’s Deli location in Fresno will have Roman-style pizza

Marziliano told The Bee on Wednesday that customers will be able to access the same products at both of its locations. At 9,500 square feet, the Villagio location will be similar in size to the original.

“But we will actually be doing more baking at the new location,” Marziliano said.

He said the new location will also offer Roman-style pizzas “pala” pizzas. “Pala” refers to the wooden paddle used to handle the pizza.

“That’s something new and different that we’re not doing at the original store,” he said.

Marziliano said he is still waiting on some permitting and is getting contractors in order, but he has already started buying the equipment for the new store. He said he will be in Chicago for the next three days buying new equipment.

“It’s getting exciting,” he said. “Now, really, the work begins.”

Erik Galicia

The Fresno Bee

Erik is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, where he helped launch an effort to better meet the news needs of Spanish-speaking immigrants. Before that, he served as editor-in-chief of his community college student newspaper, Riverside City College Viewpoints, where he covered the impacts of the Salton Sea’s decline on its adjacent farm worker communities in the Southern California desert. Erik’s work is supported through the California Local News Fellowship program.