In Stockton, California, the Bolognini family celebrates the traditions of Northern Italy. From the San Joaquin Valley and beyond, customers have come to know Gian’s Deli as their neighborhood deli for the past 48 years.
From the aisles packed with imported specialty groceries to the kitchen exuding fresh scents of homemade Italian favorites, Gian’s Deli has preserved the heritage of nostalgic “Old Italy.” At Gian’s Deli you’ll find Italian cold cuts, imported cheeses, the “infamous” Gian’s raviolis. Whether you’re looking for a delicious homemade lunch spot or needing a crowd pleasing catering order, Gian’s Deli is your spot!
Gian’s Deli founder, Gian Bolognini
At the young age of 16 years old, Giovanni (Gian) Bolognini, moved from Corfino, Italy to Stockton where he worked as an employee at Angelini and Farrari. In 1972, Gian purchased Angelini and Ferrari from his family and changed the name to Gian’s Deli. From there, he put his heart and soul into creating a family-oriented Italian deli for the Stockton community. First located at 19 S. San Joaquin Street in Stockton, Gian used recipes from both Angelini and Ferrari along with the passed down family favorites from his Italian heritage. He was very proud of his Italian sausage which was a family recipe of Dario Angelini, still used today.
Today, owner Jeffrey Bolognini (Gian’s younger son) runs the day-to-day operations at it’s current location of 2112 Pacific Ave. (On Stockton’s Miracle Mile) The menu and recipes still remain the same, nearly 50 years later. Bolognini’s favorite part of the restaurant is seeing generation after generation enjoy his family’s homemade Italian favorites.
Gian’s Deli was featured in season 24, episode 13 (“Great Gear”) on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
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