San Rafael’s Kelly Phu, the restaurateur behind Vin Antico on 4th Street — a “modern trattoria that serves contemporary, local farm-to-table fare” — is the new owner of Bruno’s Deli.
Phu tells What Now San Francisco that she plans to continue the market’s legacy by taking it back in time, sharing some information about the eatery’s history: “The restaurant was established in the 70s and, at the time, was named Belli Deli.”
“My mom worked right next door, so I would go over and get a chicken pesto sandwich and an Arizona Ice Tea,” she says.
Phu and Co-Owner Mike Heffernan have nostalgically renamed the restaurant Belly Deli and disclosed that, just as before, it will serve Italian-style fare at its 1304 Second Street spot.
“We’re planning on keeping a lot of the Italian specialty sandwiches,” says Phu, elaborating that it will still be an Italian marketplace, “just adding more layers” — for example, an expanded deli case filled with grab-and-go options.
Much like Vin Antico, Belly Delly will source products from local vendors, often discovered at Bay Area farmers markets — including Equator Coffees, Golden Gate Meat Company, and The Wild Pear Co. for jams and jellies, to name a few.
“We’re really excited to be a part of revitalizing San Rafael,” shares Phu.
The Belly Deli menu is currently being developed, and the market will have its grand opening on June 17.
