A family business behind the new deli
Mayer’s Delicatessen takes its name from Josh Galant’s grandfather, Mayer, whose family has worked in San Francisco’s food business for decades. Mayer and Clara Galant sold sandwiches from a truck before buying Paramount Piroshki in 1995 from George and Helen Theoridis, who had started the business in 1956, according to J.
The family’s food operation later grew into Galant Foods, a wholesale distributor of prepared sandwiches and burritos. Josh Galant, 33, still works at the company while developing the deli, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Plans for 641 Irving Street
Mayer’s is planned for 641 Irving St. in the Inner Sunset, in a space left vacant when Tart to Tart closed in 2022. Construction was nearing completion after delays, with an opening expected in early 2027, according to the Chronicle’s reporting.
The deli plans to serve navel-cut pastrami, buying the meat pre-smoked and finishing it in-house with steaming and hot slicing. Galant plans to offer it in rye sandwiches and Reubens, as well as breakfast burritos with eggs and fried potatoes. The Chronicle reported that the spice mix includes paprika and that navel is a fattier cut than brisket that takes more trimming and cooking.
The roughly 50-seat restaurant is also planning bagels, pastries and cheesecake. Weekday service is expected to use counter ordering, with weekend brunch dishes including latke eggs Benedict and corned beef hash; the Chronicle reported that the food will be prepared fresh.
Other delis and nearby openings
Mayer’s will join a Bay Area group of Jewish delis that includes Wise Sons, Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen in Berkeley, Loveski Deli in Napa and San Francisco, and Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in Santa Rosa. The Chronicle reported that Wise Sons uses brisket for its pastrami, while Galant plans to use navel.
The deli is also arriving as other businesses open or plan to open nearby. The Chronicle reported that Tadaima expanded to 9th Avenue in February, Maggie & Mac’s opened several months later, and 403 Coffee, Mama’s Boy and a restaurant from pizzaiolo Vincenzo Capuano were announced for the area.
