Leven Deli Co. is rising to a new level.
Founder and owner Anthony Lygizos said the company – which started in 2018 as a classic Jewish delicatessen in the Golden Triangle – is opening a supply store and new production facility.
“We’re at capacity and our team is in a position where they’re looking for opportunities to grow,” Lygizos said. “We need to grow if we want to help our people grow.”
Leven Supply, which is opening in the 2,800-square-feet space at 300 E. Alameda, will still have classic Leven Deli sandwiches made to order, but packaged to go. Unlike its smaller flagship location, the supply shop will have limited seating and a retail-focused storefront.
“A lot of our food we set out to make park- and trail-approved, to packaging, construction and design – you can take it on a hike or take it to Wash Park,” he said. “Our food is built for this market segment.”
In addition to the fan-favorite deli meals, Leven Supply will sell grocery gifts, like olive oil, and wine. The Chicago native said it’ll be casual but “high value and high energy.”
The shop is in a retail center a few blocks from Wash Park – ironically where Lygizos first wanted to open Leven Deli. The space was formerly home to Larkburger and requires a full buildout. Lygizos said in addition to an investment from the landlord, ZS Partners, he anticipates investing about $1.5 million in construction.
“They (ZS Capital) came to us and were really supportive and encouraging and backed it up with dollars and sense,” he said. “They live in the area and wanted to make sure they were doing something that would … be an amenity.”
ZS Partners is redeveloping the entire center. In addition to Leven Supply, Goldfish Swim School, a veterinary office and a pediatric orthodontist are also moving in.
Mike Lamb with Williams Construction Corp. is the contractor for the space. Zach Bierman with Kaufman Hagan Commercial Real Estate represented Leven in the deal.
North of Leven Supply, Lygizos leased 11,800 square feet at 4190 Garfield St. to move Leven’s production. He said right now, everything at Leven is made from scratch in the deli, including mustards, pickles and cured meat.
Lygizos, who said 2023 is on track to be his best year, is moving into the production facility next month. The site and new Wash Park store will operate under the parent company Leven Brands.
Going forward, the production facility will be the “hub” for Leven Brands while the deli, supply shop, catering business and eventually full-service restaurants in the future are the “spokes.” In its next push for expansion, he said he’s looking to open full-service restaurants in office buildings.
“This is the starting point,” Lygizos said. “We’re trying to button up this model in the next two years so we can start growing in other cities as well.”