It seems a lot of Herndon locals think The Deli Herndon is the best thing since sliced bread.
Community members and local businesses have been posting messages encouraging people to take their sandwich business to The Deli Herndon at 480 Elden St. as it experiences financial hardships. On September 3, an anonymous patron posted a plea on Next Door for members of the community to patronize The Deli.
“[The Deli] has been around for at least 30 years. It is hurting financially because of increasing rent costs, increased food costs, and the influx of restaurants in the area,” the post read. “For us longtime Herdonites, The Deli was the place to go for subs with lots of meat in them for a decent price. If you have never gone, I highly recommend The Deli for a great sandwich … not with a slice or two of meat, but a heaping helping of meat.”
The Deli has been a staple in the Herndon community since 1979. The tiny strip-mall shop — filled with Washington Commanders memorabilia — offers oodles of sandwich and sub options, desserts, and Italian food products. Northern Virginia Magazine included the spot in the 2023 Best Cheap Eats story for its Hot Sicilian Sandwich.
Patrons can take their goodies to-go or enjoy them at the limited seating space available inside.
Community Support
The Reston Herndon Community Group Facebook page reposted that anonymous message to its 31,000 members. That’s where the team at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, a popular restaurant less than a mile down Elden Street from The Deli, picked it up.
Jimmy’s shared the message with its 12,000 followers and added on the post, “We wholeheartedly agree! Support independently owned businesses! The Deli does, indeed, make most excellent subs!”
When asked why he chose to encourage diners to eat at a restaurant other than his own, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern owner Jimmy Cirrito said he loves his community.
“We have been through ups and downs for years, and our community always has our back and gets us through,” says Cirrito. “We know the Deli has been a Herndon and Reston staple for decades, and we hope they are successful for years to come.”
Fond Memories
Clearly the message struck a nerve with locals, who have been enjoying The Deli Herndon’s fresh, meaty subs for decades.
“It honestly has the best Italian subs I’ve ever had!” wrote Alicia Walsh, a member of the Reston Herndon Community Group Facebook page.
Nancy Aldana has been dining at The Deli since 2009 and brings her children there now. “One of our favorite places to grab lunch!” Aldana wrote. When contacted by Northern Virginia Magazine, she said: “I really hope they don’t have to close. The owner is such a great guy.”
The owner of The Deli Herndon, Kishore Mehra, is grateful for the support. He says business has been up over the past few days since the social media posts.
“Please tell everyone thank you so much — I appreciate all the support,” Mehra says. “We’re a small family business — we’re not a franchise or a big company. I ask people to please support me as long as they can so I can stay in business.”
The Deli holds sentimental value to some patrons, including Herndon resident Christine Hancher, who wrote on the Reston Herndon Community Group page: “Got subs on my first date with my husband! It’s still a great place to go.”
Now that numerous messages are circulating on social media in support of The Deli, Mehra says he has noticed increased foot traffic in his family business.
“We’ve been doing good; I see the difference — there’s been a lot of difference,” he says.
Feature image of Kishore Mehra, owner of The Deli, by Dawn Klavon
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