Among the several legacy businesses to close in the 24/680 in recent months is Genova Delicatessen in Walnut Creek, calling it quits today (Wednesday) after 58 years.
Italians, wannabe Italians, truck drivers and businessmen who stopped at the California Boulevard location for lunch or to pick up a hard-to-find imported item from The Old Country, are in mourning.
“Brutal, just brutal,” Mike Bianchini, a frequent visitor from Pinole said while eyeing a handwritten sign pasted to the deli’s window. “We’re losing all the good old places…”
Closure of the California Boulevard location, with its outside stools and unending deli case, provided the double whammy for Italian food fanciers after Genova closed another location on Treat Boulevard, in November.
“I’d come, get some antipasti for my mom and a coffee and a sandwich for lunch,” Bianchini said, shaking his head. “This is going to break her heart.”
In what has become accepted method, the company announced the closure via email.
“This was a heartfelt decision made after years of navigating increasing economic challenges. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve generations of Genova customers and to be part of this community for so long.”
The company’s ravioli factory in Walnut Creek will remain open and will continue to sell to local stores, according to the email.
The Walnut Creek locations were a branch of the original Genova Deli in Oakland, founded in 1926. The original location closed in 2016.
The sandwiches and hot bar were great, the thirty minute waits to get them, not so much.
Firestone 11R
Thanks for all the great memories! I would go to Berkeley Farms when it was next door with my mom for a special breakfast (and ice cream) then go to Genova’s for a sample of salami. Later, my sister and I would show up on a weekend morning -maybe hung over – to Andrew rolling his eyes at our shenanigans knowing we were going to ask for extra pickles – and getting our usual huge sandwich that was just what the doctor ordered. This was a special place for 3 generations of my family – we will cherish the memories.