How is Ggiata Delicatessen Transforming Highland Park’s Food Scene?

Ggiata Delicatessen, a burgeoning chain of New Jersey-inspired Italian sandwich shops, has officially opened its fourth Los Angeles location in Highland Park. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has been on an impressive growth trajectory since its inception in 2020. Initially operating out of a ghost kitchen in Koreatown, Ggiata opened its first brick-and-mortar store in the Melrose Hill neighborhood in 2021, followed by locations in West Hollywood in 2022 and Venice in 2023. The latest addition in Highland Park is a testament to the brand’s steady and strategic expansion across the city.

The new Ggiata Delicatessen, located at 5025 East York Boulevard, occupies a space that was previously home to A Bloc, a coffee shop offering bike repair services since 2017. The space had been closed throughout 2023, and Ggiata’s owners signed the lease and began remodeling in December of that year. The updated 1,500-square-foot space now features seating for 21 inside, with half a dozen stools at a wood bar crafted by Highland Park resident Logan Douangsitthi, and an additional 10 seats outside. The aim is to create a comfortable and casual environment where diners can enjoy their meals, whether at the bar watching sandwiches being made and wines being poured, or in a more private banquette.

A Community-Centric Approach

Ggiata’s co-owners, Noah Holton-Raphael, Max Bahramipour, and Jack Biebel, have been regular patrons of Highland Park’s restaurants and bars since moving to Los Angeles in 2018. They frequently visited trendier spots on York Boulevard, such as the Taiwanese restaurant Joy and Belle’s Bagels. Opening a location in Highland Park was a natural next step for the trio, who have always loved the community, describing it as full of “young, creative families” with a vibrant food scene.

To introduce Ggiata to the Highland Park community, the staff canvassed the neighborhood before the opening, providing contact information and engaging with residents. Holton-Raphael and his partners view Highland Park as having a more “established” food scene compared to their Melrose Hill location. In a bid to foster goodwill and community integration, they plan to offer a 15 percent discount to locals on an honor system and hire directly from the neighborhood. “Anytime we go into a community, our intention is to be a great neighbor. We want a place where the Ggiata logo goes up, and people in the neighborhood are excited for us to open, not dreading it with unintended baggage,” says Holton-Raphael.

A Menu That Celebrates Italian-American Heritage

The menu at Ggiata Delicatessen, crafted by chef Celerino Cruz, features a range of breakfast sandwiches, Italian-American heroes, salads, and sides that are familiar to Ggiata regulars. Best-sellers like the eggplant Parmesan and chicken Caesar salad wrap are accounted for, along with new desserts from pastry chef Christy Erickson. The location’s on-site dining allows for more elaborate sweets than at the takeout-only stores, adding a unique touch to the Highland Park experience.

To complement the food, Ggiata offers a selection of local and Italian beers, as well as four custom wines by Jumbo Time Wines: a chilled red, an orange, a rosé, and a white. Food and drink orders are taken at the front counter and brought to diners at their seats if they choose to eat at the restaurant. This setup aims to bring people together around food and sandwiches, much like the experiences the owners had in New Jersey.

Future Expansion and Community Impact

Ggiata’s team is already scouting potential locations in the San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, and Brentwood. “There are probably another two or three neighborhoods we can open in Los Angeles without feeling like a chain, ensuring the experience isn’t ubiquitous and remains special,” says Holton-Raphael. Despite the challenges of being a business owner in Los Angeles, the trio remains focused on their Highland Park location, expressing gratitude for the city’s support. “Los Angeles has been amazing to us. We grew up in Jersey, but we’ve made this our home for six years, and we have no plans to leave soon,” adds Holton-Raphael.

Ggiata Delicatessen in Highland Park is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The address is 5025 York Boulevard, Highland Park, CA 90042.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, a trip to Highland Park to experience Ggiata Delicatessen is a must. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of old and new, with a rich history and a burgeoning food scene that reflects the diverse and creative spirit of its residents. Take the time to explore York Boulevard, where you can find an array of trendy spots and local favorites.

For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the local culture by engaging with community events and supporting neighborhood businesses. Highland Park is a microcosm of Los Angeles’ broader cultural landscape, and spending time here can provide a more intimate understanding of the city’s evolving identity. Whether you’re savoring a sandwich at Ggiata or exploring nearby attractions, Highland Park offers a rich tapestry of experiences that are both authentic and memorable.

In conclusion, Ggiata Delicatessen’s new location in Highland Park is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub that brings people together through food. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this new addition to the neighborhood is sure to leave a lasting impression.