Hidden Gem: Augustino's Rock & Roll Deli in Carol Stream and West Chicago

At Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli, you can eat the signature sub sandwiches, but you can’t eat the cups — even if they are made from corn.

Owners Jerry and Cathy Morelli are serious about providing their customers with an eco-friendly dining experience. The couple stopped serving beverages in Styrofoam cups about a year ago and now offers drinks and other menu items in biodegradable packaging materials.

Augustino's Rock and Roll Deli General Manager Mike Minkalis prepares their Italian submarine sandwich Tuesday May 27, 2009. Augustino's serves deli sandwiches as well as hot meals including pasta. STAFF PHOTO BY ERICA BENSON

“We started tracking our Styrofoam cups, and we used about 10,000 cups a month. That’s a lot,” Cathy says. “We’ve become excitedly passionate about this. It’s starting with the small things.”

Augustino’s was originally opened in Carol Stream as an Italian grocery store 30 years ago by Jerry’s father, Aug. The eatery’s homemade sandwiches made with fresh cut veggies and meat and a special flavoring blend they call “Love Potion No. 9” became a hit with the public. The restaurant also has locations in West Chicago and inside Chicago’s Sears Tower.

“We’ve always cared about the quality. We’re deli snobs,” she says jokingly. “Freshness makes a difference.”
Don Bartalone of Naples, Fla., goes out of his way to eat at Augustino’s when he’s in town. He recently had lunch with friend Chuck Legorreta of Carol Steam.

“It’s the food. It’s the employees and Jerry and Cathy,” Bartalone says, and “you always leave here full.”

“It’s a place you can go and hangout,” says Legorreta, who’s been eating at the restaurant since it opened.

Jerry adds, “These guys aren’t customers anymore. They’re family,” much like many of their Augie fans.
 

Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli
WHERE 246 S. Schmale Rd., Carol Stream
PHONE (630) 665-5585
WEB www.augustinos.com
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli is a blast from the past that offers a bang for your buck with its sandwiches, wraps and pizza. 
CLAIM TO FAME The sub sandwiches are the signature menu items, made with fresh ingredients daily.