A once thriving sandwich deli at Kogarah Town Centre has been resurrected, with its new owners hoping to replicate the same breadwinning success of a popular lunch hot-spot.
After more than a year of quiet and rolled-down doors awaiting the next arrival, Kogarah Town Centre is welcoming back its customers - this time, with new faces behind the counter.
Simply called Delicatessen and Sandwiches, the new eatery and go-to joint for cheeses and salami galore, is operated by Denise and Chris Kouroupakis.
The Greek husband and wife re-opened the deli on June 28, after the former owners served their final best-selling schnitty, lettuce and mayo rolls in April last year.
They take the eatery reins from Arthur and Olga Leris, also a Greek couple, who hung up their aprons after 30 years of satisfying hungry appetites.
Things look pretty much the same - shelves stocked to the brim with jars of jam, sauces, pasta, sauerkraut, and fridges progressively filling up with fresh ham, feta and frankfurts.
Much of the produce is from the same suppliers. And yes, there are chicken schnitzels on the menu.
The Kouroupakis couple and their teenage daughter left their bakery/cafe business on the south coast in Ulladulla, for an "opposite seachange" - to be closer to family at Hurstville.
They hope to bring back the old deli's loyal customers, and meet some new faces.
"We've got very big shoes to fill," Mrs Kouroupakis said.
"[The former owners] were very loved as a family. We've had a positive response so far so I hope we live up to the expectations."
She says while the shop may appear similar in design, there will be more home-grown goods on offer.
"I'd really like to source up more Australian produce," Mrs Kouroupakis said. "I love Australian cheese and wine so we want to cater to the wider community.
"I'd also like to build the sandwich bar because it had a great reputation, and we want to do salads and ready-made pre-packed home-cooked meals."
