The owner of a 108-year-old deli and sandwich shop is bringing his family’s business to Arnold after a five-year crusade.
Alex Donley said he and his wife, Amanda, will open their sixth Gioia’s Deli in December at 3870 Vogel Road. The deli will take over a space that was previously a Goodcents Subs sandwich shop in a shopping plaza that is next to Richardson Crossing Plaza, which is home to the Schnucks grocery store, and across from the Jefferson County Plaza, which is home to Home Depot and Target.
“It has been on my radar for about five years,” said Donley, who also is planning to open a seventh location in Wentzville. “We told our Realtor if anything opens up in Arnold, let us know. The testament to Arnold is nothing closes out here. That is a good thing. That means it is a community that supports its local businesses.
“Finally, an opportunity popped up right across from Home Depot. We were sent the opportunity, and we were seeing the space the same day.”
Donley said his family often stops in Arnold when they are driving south on I-55 to visit family in Ste. Genevieve, and his son plays baseball in the city.
He also said he grew up with members of the Syberg family, which owns two restaurants in Arnold. The Syberg’s Family of Restaurants opened Syberg’s, 249 Arnold Crossroads Center, in 2015 and Twisted Tavern, 3606 W. Outer Road, in 2020.
“They are always talking about how wonderful it is to operate out here in Arnold and Jefferson County,” Donley said of the Sybergs. “Every time I come out here, everything is packed and busy, and everyone is happy to serve. It is this wonderful community, and I just love it out here.”
On Oct. 22, Donley said he does not have an opening date. He said the deli will start serving customers before holding a grand opening.
He said employees who will work at the Arnold location are training at Gioia’s locations in south St. Louis, 1934 Macklind Ave., and Valley Park shop, 922 Meramec Station Road. He said between 15-20 people will work at the Arnold location.
“We will probably do a soft opening for a couple of weeks to get our feet under us before the big grand opening before Christmas,” Donley said. “If you drive by and see us open, we will serve you as best we can.”
One thing Donley said he knew for sure was the menu will not change. Gioia’s is best known for its hot salami sandwiches, and it offers a variety of other sandwiches.
“We have been doing the same thing for 108 years,” Donley said. “I am not going to change a menu that is perfect.
“We want to be the neighborhood deli in any neighborhood that we go into. We focus on quality, fast and friendly service. The menu is perfect as is, and it always has been. We just try to serve the masses as fast and friendly as possible.”
Gioia’s will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays. The deli will be closed on Sundays.
Donley said there will be seating for up to 40 customers in the restaurant, and Gioia’s also offers catering. He said delivery will be available through a third-party company.
“We will have about a 7-mile radius from the shop, covering most of Arnold,” he said of deliveries.
More businesses
Gioia’s is one of three restaurants slated to open in Arnold.
An Andy’s Frozen Custard is expected to open in the city in the third quarter of 2027, a company spokesperson said.
Arnold Planning Commission members voted 7-0 on Oct. 13 to recommend the City Council approves a conditional use permit for the business, which is expected to be built near the Planet Fitness gym, 1140 Jeffco Blvd. The gym was built on the former home of the Arnold Bowl.
A Jersey Mike’s Subs shop also is expected to open in the Arnold Park Mall shopping plaza at the intersection of Hwy. 141 and Jeffco Blvd., according to a Facebook post by Ward 4 Councilman Brad Cary, who is the council’s Planning Commission liaison.
This month, Arnold became home to the second Trading Card Market store. The business opened on Oct. 13 at 2156 Michigan Ave. in the Water Tower shopping plaza. The company started in 2022 with a store in Manchester.
Beyond the Pasture Meat Market is preparing to open at 1339 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold, according to the company’s website and Facebook page. The butcher shop will sell a variety of fresh cut meats, ready-to-cook selections and sauces, rubs, seasonings, local products and specialty foods, according to Beyond the Pasture’s website, beyondthepasture.com.
A second Century Credit Union also is expected to open in Arnold. The Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Oct. 13 to recommend the City Council approves a conditional use permit for a branch at 310 Plaza Way off West Outer Road.
Century Credit Union currently has a location at 3920 Jeffco Blvd.