Sarcone’s Bakery has been a South Philly tradition for the past 90 years and West Chester is now lucky enough to share that tradition with its own Sarcone’s Deli on 230 West Market St. This South Philly staple is slated to finally open this Friday at 9:30 a.m. and is one of the three Sarcone’s locations outside of Philadelphia.

What makes this Italian deli different from your everyday sub shop? The bread! During the past 90 years, Sarcone’s bread recipe has only been changed once, and the bakery is currently owned by fifth generation family members. Sarcone’s Deli has received numerous awards and the bakery even has long lines in the dead of winter. Every day, the deli will receive a shipment of fresh delivered bread from the one and only Sarcone’s Bakery. This magnificent bread will be available by the loaf and customers will be able to place special orders in the future.

“Our bread is pretty different than the average hoagie roll. Definitely the polar opposite of the soft, Amoroso style roll,” said Justin Grilli, co-General Manager. “Ours is crunchy on the outside, soft but chewy on the inside. It has a distinct flavor and it’s topped off with sesame seeds. We won’t be competing with the guys who put a pound of meat on their sandwiches either. When we get it right, you can taste everything including the bread in every bite! It really is a truly great hoagie!”

Justin Grilli has been planning the deli since August and almost every day gets a tap on the window, post on Facebook, or email asking when the store is planning on opening. With fresh baked bread, premium Dietz and Watson cold cuts, homemade soups and chili, and daily sandwich specials, who could blame them?

With over 30 hoagies and 15 homemade side orders on the menu, customers are going to have trouble picking just one. Whether you get the Sarcone’s Special (prosciutto, roasted peppers, sharp provolone, and roasted garlic) or Sarcone’s Veggie (fried eggplant, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, tomato and roasted garlic), you may develop a “hoagie problem.” There is no substitute for a world class hoagie, and once you go Sarcone’s, you won’t go back!

The Junkyard Special (fresh turkey, prosciutto, sauteed spinach, roasted peppers, sharp provolone, and fresh mozzarella) was recently featured on the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” For your next event, consider picking up a tray of hoagies (vegetarian, Italian, turkey, roast beef or ham),  tomato pies, stuffed olives or anything else from their full catering menu.

Their hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Delivery will be available within a six block radius of the store, but not until after their first week. Follow them on Facebook or go to their website to get updates on their specials and scrumptious sandwiches. They will be in hoagie heaven starting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, will you?