One of the last remaining locations of Genova Deli, a century-old family-owned business in the East Bay, is closing in Walnut Creek.
Genoa’s Deli on California Avenue in downtown Walnut Creek will close Wednesday. The closure follows the closing of another Walnut Creek store on Treat Boulevard in November. Genova Deli has been in Walnut Creek for 58 years and is known for its Italian sandwiches, pickled artichokes and boxed ravioli. It was included in The Chronicle’s list of the city’s best restaurants.
“This is a heartfelt decision made after years of dealing with increasing economic challenges,” the company said in an email communication Tuesday announcing the closing. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve generations of Genoa customers and to be a part of this community for so long.”
The company’s wonton plant in Walnut Creek will remain open and sales to local stores will continue, the email said.
A customer talks to co-owner David DeVincenzi at the original Genova Delicatessen store in Oakland in 2016. (Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle)
The Walnut Creek store is a branch of Oakland’s original Genova Deli, which was founded in 1926 and closed in 2016. Dominic DeVincenzi purchased the store in 1951 after marrying the niece of one of the original co-founders; he and his family later opened other locations, first in Walnut Creek and later in Napa. The Genova Deli in Napa appears to be still open but could not be reached for comment.
When the original Oakland location closed, regular customers packed the shop for the last of their pepperoni sandwiches, stuffed with mortadella and salami. Now, Walnut Creek fans are expressing similar sadness on social media.
“My family first came to Genoa in the spring of 1970 when they were looking for property in Walnut Creek to build a home on. We will miss the friendly staff and especially the family who made this place so special,” longtime customer Roger Colton wrote in a message to The Chronicle.
This article was originally published on 100-year-old Bay Area deli closes last location.