My father, Pasquale Gigliotti told me from a very young age that I should be a butcher or own a deli because, “people always need to eat.”  I sort of followed his advice by being in restaurant management for the last 20 years.  I managed Dingbats in Fox Chapel, Bar Louie & Red Star in Station Square and finally Mario’s on the South side.  But in the back of my mind, owning my own business was still a dream.  In 2006, my father passed away and it was then that I realized that it was time for a life change.  I sat down with my sisters, Kathy and Patti as well as a few close friends to discuss the possibilities of opening a Deli…and that’s where the idea for the Deli on Butler Street was born.  After that moment, everything seemed to fall into place:  finding the great location on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, my sister Patti’s financial backing, my cousin PJ in Chicago creating the fantastic logo, my friend Sandy returning from Belgium after 10 years to come and work for me and business partner and long-time friend, Pete designing and decorating the interior.

This truly is a family run business.  My sister Patti makes the soups and some cookies, my Aunt Judy who also works in the store, makes the pies, my Mother, Mary who works a few days a week, makes the Italian cookies and some soups.  My nephew Mike and nieces Gina and Dana along with childhood friend, Joan, helped with menu ideas and the rest of my family and friends offered tons of advice and moral support.  With this mix I knew we’d be a success.  When you visit the Deli on Butler Street, we like to treat you as if you’re coming into our family kitchen.  So thank you for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream at my father’s advice and serve the warm community of Lawrenceville.

Gary Gigliotti, Proprietor