Get to know Grinderz Deli & Market

Sandwiches, desserts, gifts and more!

When you first walk into Grinderz Deli & Market in Marina, you are greeted by wonderful smells and friendly, smiling employees behind the counter. More than likely the owner, Jim Sapia, is there working right alongside them. Your eyes will travel along the deli counter, surveying the wide range of food available behind the glass, and from the deli counter to the menu on the wall. Your best bet is to bring people with you so you can all order something different to share so you can try a little of everything. Chances are you will feel full after your meal, but will find room in your stomach for dessert when you catch a glimpse of the crème brulee cheesecake, Gizditch pie by the slice, carrot bars, and so much more… Opposite the deli section you will find shelves and shelves of compelling merchandise; attractive, one-of-a-kind jewelry and trinkets, handmade soaps, unique foods, and books from the Friends of the Marina Library that have been turned into “blind dates”.

Grinderz Market & Deli has been a business member of the Marina Chamber of Commerce since 2021. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jim, owner of this mouth-watering sandwich shop, via email followed by a trip to Grinderz with my kids to say “hello” in person and, of course, to grab some lunch (and dessert)! (I got the turkey club, one child got the pizza philly and we traded halves so we could try both sandwiches, and my other child got the chicken pesto flatbread which she refused to share because it was so good. We followed it up with cheesecake for dessert. Everything was delicious!)  Read on to learn a bit more about Marina’s gem of a deli and market.

 

An interview with Jim Sapia, Owner- Grinderz Deli & Market:

When and how was Grinderz Deli & Market started?

Although the location that Grinderz now occupies has been a deli for several decades, we pivoted to the newest iteration in December of 2020. I was, like so many in the culinary industry, furloughed when Covid hit in March of 2020. I was unemployed for 6 months and then laid off as it appeared that the school I was cooking at would not reopen. While on a road trip to Oregon to visit family I got the inspiration to open my own business. I had fantasized about a sandwich shop that offered a variety of sandwiches which would represent all the classics across the USA.

 

How was the name Grinderz Deli & Market chosen?

The name Grinderz is a play on the east coast name of a submarine sandwich “Grinder”. We added the “Z” at the end in order to have a unique website name.

 

What is the mission of Grinderz?

My mission is to make sandwiches the way that I would want them. We use top quality products and cook most of the hot sandwiches to order as opposed to having the meats precooked and “held”. My mission also included an offering of international groceries and deli items, although the German offerings seem to be what is most desired.

 

How many employees do you have?

We currently have 3 employees. Mayra, which has been with me since we opened, anchors the sandwich making and is an invaluable asset to Grinderz.

 

What services or products do you offer?

In addition to our sandwich and salad offerings we have a modest selection of German and Italian specialties, beverages and local artisan jewelry, soaps and lotions. You can check out the menu at grinderzdeli.com. We also do box lunches, sandwich platters and some entrees.

 

How do you advertise?

We are currently advertising through Google and Yelp. However, word of mouth has been our strongest promotional tool. We have been getting great feedback on The Marina Facebook page and Next door.

How was the current location chosen for Grinderz Deli & Market?

We chose the current location as it is a 5 minute drive from home and is in a high traffic shopping center.

                                

 

What are your company goals?

Our short term goal is to open in the evenings with a smaller offering of entrée and salads and a limited hot sandwich menu.

(Note from the Chamber: The only thing better than a Grinderz sandwich for lunch might be a Grinderz sandwich for lunch AND dinner…)

 

The Marina Chamber of Commerce reached out to the Marina Community via Facebook to get some opinions about Grinderz and here is what some of you had to say:

“With family from Philly, the sandwiches (Grinders) are just like the Hoagies we are used to having back on the East Coast. Cheesesteaks, too. This is the real deal!”

-Joy Anderson

 

“Best sandwiches in town, especially the Schnitzel. Top notch variety and superb customer service!”

-Maya Dalton

 

“Huge Grinderz fan! My fave is the chicken bahn mi- maybe not the most traditional, but OH SO satisfying, plus I love that the owner’s are Marina locals.”

-Lauran Suwansupa

 

“The sandwiches and service are amazing!”

-June Kumada

 

“We visit Grinderz at least once a week because the food is always good and the servers are always welcoming. You can tell the owner put some thought into what makes a good sandwich. I have tried about nine of the different combinations and liked them all, but my favorites are the Vegetarian and the Mushroom Philly.”

-Jo Filarca

 

“The Schnitzel is awesome!!!! Customer service is top notch.”

-Michael Martignoni

 

“A+ for all categories: food, service cleanliness. A joy to go there!”

-Gail Root

 

“Great place. I have been there the past three Saturdays and each time the sandwiches were amazing.”

-Darrell Smith

 

“I went there with my sister and ordered a veggie sandwich. It was the prettiest things ever, but didn’t realize it came with mushrooms. I’m highly allergic to them. I felt so bad having to ask for them to remake the sandwich due to my mistake (of not asking about mushrooms), but the cook was as gracious as could be and promised they would make me something delicious. Oh boy, did she! I still salivate just thinking about that meal! Nicest staff and charming cubby store. I’ll be a regular for sure!”

-Jacqueline Gonzalves

Thank you to Jim and everyone at Grinderz for your great food and service! To find out more about this wonderful business and the delicacies they have to offer, please visit their website at grinderzdeli.com or, better yet, visit in person at 215 Reservation Rd. in Marina.

If you have a Marina Chamber of Commerce business member you would like to know more about, please email the Chamber at info@marinachamber.com. To stay up to date on all of our news and articles, subscribe to our newsletter on our website, marinachamber.com.