Regular readers of the Clarion Cuisine will know that the reviewers especially like to highlight hidden gems in the Dayton area. This month’s feature is certainly a gem, but it’s anything but hidden.
In the heart of downtown Dayton on Third Street, Tony & Pete’s sandwich shop has skyrocketed in popularity throughout its short run. After opening its doors in July 2022, it won the distinction of “Best Deli/Sandwich Shop in Dayton” in 2025, the first year the category was open since 2021.
The shop consistently gets rave reviews and recommendations online, and it’s easy to see why the word-of-mouth following is so strong.
Starting when one walks in the door, the entire design of the restaurant is inviting. Colorful posters and wallpaper lend to the nostalgic layout, which is taken even further by the large portion of the shop devoted to grocery items. Tony & Pete’s offers beer and wine as well as cheeses, pickles, a wide variety of sauces and even household basics like laundry detergent and toilet paper.
This gives the feeling that the shop is not just for “grab and go” sandwiches, but somewhere Daytonians can stop in for whatever they may need. It’s a clear nod to a classic “mom and pop” deli design without being the least bit alienating.
Sam Hall, front of house manager and catering coordinator, spoke to the intentionality of the shop’s design, including the way the staff dresses and presents themselves.
“It’s not a character,” she said. “It’s how we feel and how we identify.”
The menu offers a great blend of variety and simplicity. A popular philosophy among family-run shops is to find what works and do it consistently. Tony & Pete’s does this very well, while still offering “outside the box” choices for those looking to try something new.
During our visit, we tried the Pete, the Gabagool and the Vegan Cold Cut sandwiches. These three options are vastly different in terms of their ingredients, but not one of them lacked in taste or quality. From the first bite, we were hooked by the freshness and obvious care taken to craft each sandwich.
The Pete has a tomato jam and chili oil that lend some sweet heat, especially in the aftertaste. The Gabagool’s vinegar added a tangy bite, while the pesto balanced it beautifully. The Vegan Cold Cut also did not disappoint, with thin strips of marinated tofu and zesty vegetables that really brought it to life.
As delightful as these choices were, there is much more to explore on the menu. According to Hall, the most popular items are the Tony, the Midwest Italian and the Turkey Pesto.
We also tried their Tuscan Kale soup of the day and a side of pasta salad. Again, these were phenomenal, almost to the point of overshadowing the main course. The soup was so flavorful and loaded with potatoes and sausage, while the pasta salad was creamy and satisfying without being too heavy.
What may surprise readers is that the shop’s namesakes, Tony and Pete, do not run the shop themselves. Rather their children, husband and wife team Justin Simmons and Dayton native Kathleen Roll, own and operate the shop with decades of hospitality experience and a clear family focus.
In a particularly challenging time for local restaurants, many of whom operate on razor-thin margins or have had to close up shop entirely, Tony & Pete’s is actually planning an expansion for this year. Hall said it will incorporate the empty space next door as a “larger, functioning kitchen” to help with catering and online orders.
The larger workspace will also allow the shop to bake and sell their own bread, which deserves a special shout-out. The sandwich bread has the perfect thickness and texture, using a house recipe that is currently baked through a partnership with Dorothy Lane Market.
Overall, I am in the rare position of not having a single complaint about our visit. With enthusiastic service, a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that blends the classic with the creative, Tony & Pete’s has all the signifiers of a longstanding institution on the Dayton culinary scene.
Hannah Kichline, multimedia editor
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