If you’re looking for a sandwich in the Castro, add The Rainbow to your list of places where you can grab one.

Formerly Adorabell's, Rainbow Market & Deli first opened at the corner of 18th and Eureka streets in 2012 but has changed hands multiple times. Although sandwiches were made and sold at the convenience store in years past on an inconsistent basis, the deli space had been sitting unused until yesterday, Anthoula Mickel, one of The Rainbow’s new owners, told us.

Mickel and her family have been owners of the Rainbow for almost a year but officially took over operations two weeks ago.The corner store already boasts rave Yelp reviews, and the deli’s opening is good news for neighbors and Dolores Park weekenders alike. 

“The space wasn’t being utilized,” Mickel said. “A lot of people were walking in here and getting drinks and then walking down to Mollie Stone’s for food, so it made sense to have a spot for people to grab their lunch here.”

The Rainbow has about a dozen sandwiches on its menu, and many of them are named after local streets (The Castro, The Eureka, The Church ... ). Mickel said that besides sandwiches, the corner store is also stocking up on cheese, crackers and other snacks to pair with its expanded beer and wine offerings.

The new owners are also looking into opening up a sidewalk juice bar in an adjoining space to the convenience store; however, that likely won't happen anytime soon. “We’ll be asking the city for permits in the near future,” Mickel said.

In the meantime, the new owners are excited to be part of the Castro and are open to suggestions regarding what they should stock up and sell. “We’re looking forward to being a part of this community and meeting everyone,” Mickel said