Open! Spiro’s Deli Makes Surprise Downtown Debut

GLENVIEW, IL — The scent of Italian beef and fresh-baked French bread is once again wafting through Glenview, but this time, it's coming from a brand-new address.

Spiro's Deli quietly opened its doors in downtown Glenview on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, marking a new chapter for the beloved local institution that first debuted in 1962. The soft opening caught many in the downtown district by surprise, as the custom-built, 1,500-square-foot facility at 1880 Glenview Road (at Harlem) began serving customers without the usual fanfare.

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"The official grand opening and ribbon cutting will be in a couple of weeks," owner Peter "Pete" Nestos said while dipping an Italian beef on Saturday night.A Long-Awaited RelocationThe move to downtown Glenview has been years in the making.

The Village of Glenview supported the relocation with a $595,000, 10-year forgivable loan from the permanent fund to help finance the construction of the new building. The total cost for the new facility was approximately $1.25 million.

The village's permanent fund, established in 1996 using proceeds from land sales within The Glen residential and retail redevelopment project, provided the financial backing to keep the local business thriving in the village.Spiro's history is deeply rooted in Glenview.

Originally opened by Spiro Nestos in 1962 across from the Walgreens at Lake and Waukegan Avenue, the deli spent 27 years on East Lake Avenue before moving to 1210 Waukegan Road.Now, in 2026, the deli has returned to its roots with a modern twist.

The new location features an outdoor dining area, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals al fresco in the heart of the downtown district.

A Legacy of Quality

For regulars like Jonathan Thomas, the move is a welcome addition to the community."Owner Peter is one of a kind! Thanks so much for treating me like family. He truly knows about quality," Thomas said.

That quality is evident in the menu, which focuses on classic Chicago-style deli eats, "Poorboy" subs, and hot char-broiled specialties. The menu is heavily anchored by their famous signature dressing, known as "Come Back Sauce."

While the menu features a variety of options—including The Spiro's Ultimate (a heavy-hitting trio of roast beef, roasted turkey, and imported ham) and The Classic Italian (featuring Genoa salami, imported ham, hot capicola, and provolone)—it is the original "Bomber" sandwich that still draws a crowd. The sandwich features Italian beef, Swiss cheese, pickles, and onions, all topped with their special house-made mayonnaise-based sauce on fresh-baked French bread.

The deli also offers single-meat Poorboys with roast beef, turkey, or ham, and their Fresh Hand-Cut Fries are widely praised by locals for their signature crunch and perfect salting.

While the official ribbon cutting is still a few weeks away, the doors are open, and the grills are hot.

For Nestos, the soft opening is just the beginning of the next era for the family business.

Spiro's Deli is now open at 1880 Glenview Road