Rocco’s Italian Deli Brings Meatball Subs to Midtown in May

Forthcoming Cass Corridor sandwich slinger Rocco’s Italian Deli is preparing to debut next month. Co-owner Gabe Guido confirms that the deli is aiming to open during the week of May 7 pending final inspections, with an official grand opening slated for late May or early June.

Guido and partner Kyle Mrkva began working towards opening their Italian deli several years ago with the goal of building a neighborhood spot in the spirit of old-school institutions like Alcamo’s Market in Dearborn. The pair were semifinalists in small business startup competition Hatch Detroit in 2014. They’ve been working towards opening the restaurant ever since, having secured space at 3627 Cass Ave. in Cass Corridor and receiving a $50,000 startup grant through Motor City Match.

Rocco’s will feature a deli case stocked with cheeses, meats, and olives alongside other to-go items such as lasagna designed. The shop will also offer a range of pantry items such as olive oils, pastas, tomatoes, and bread, Guido says.

Customers will also be able to grab a sandwich to-go or for dining in. The nearly finalized menu features eight sandwiches that will be available year-round including meatball subs, chicken parmesan, and pan fried mortadella. Two additional sandwiches will be rotated out seasonally. Rocco’s will also offer four styles of salad and a handful of desserts. For drinks, the restaurant will offer beer and wine, as well as negronis and aperol spritzes.

Contractors are in the process of completing the finishes on the interior, which will seat between 25 and 30 patrons. Guido tells Eater that there will also be patio seating outdoors, though that space will likely open sometime after the restaurant debuts. Stay tuned for more updates on the opening as details are finalized.

• Rocco’s Brings Old-School Italian Deli Charm to Midtown in 2018 [ED]
• Detroit’s Most Anticipated Restaurants and Bars, Spring 2018 [ED]
• All Eater Tracking Coverage [ED]