Restaurant News

This ‘authentic Italian deli experience’ is preparing to open in Meridian

A new sandwich shop is preparing to open soon in Meridian.

Fratelli Deli plans to take over the former Poke Bowl space at 2970 N. Eagle Road, near Trader Joe’s. A banner on the building indicates it’s “opening soon.”

“We’re currently targeting an opening by the end of August,” said Steven Edwards, who filed the paperwork with the city to open the restaurant.

Fratelli Deli has created an Instagram page but hasn’t posted. It also has a basic website promising an “authentic Italian deli experience.” But menu specifics aren’t being shared yet.

“While we’d love to offer a full preview now,” Edwards said in a message, “our team is deeply focused on getting every detail just right before we open our doors.”

He did offer this: “Fratelli Deli will feature classic Italian-style sandwiches, housemade ingredients and a warm, welcoming space designed to feel like a true neighborhood spot.”

A quality, Italian-style deli would be a notable addition to Meridian’s sandwich options, which already include places such as Hugo’s Deli and the Gandolfo’s New York Deli chain.

In Boise, many diners satisfy their local urge by visiting Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian & American Eatery. A mouthwatering staple at 6826 N. Glenwood St. in Garden City, that New York-style deli opened in 2011.

The Boise area’s offering of Italian-style deli sandwiches is about to increase. Pictured is Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian & American Eatery in Garden City.
The Boise area’s offering of Italian-style deli sandwiches is about to increase. Pictured is Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian & American Eatery in Garden City. John Webster Statesman file

This story was originally published August 8, 2025 at 4:00 AM.

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Michael Deeds
Idaho Statesman
Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane. 
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