Gus's Guarantee: Like Your Food or it's free

Gus Verginakis's name may be on the sign, but he and son-in-law Matt Kolakowski are both putting their reputation on the line for Bel Air's newest convenience store.

The co-owners opened the doors of Gus's Deli Mart on Aug. 19 and are working to establish themselves as downtown's premiere one-stop shop.

"The goal for this store is to bring back the flavor and the convenience of this location," said Verginakis, aware of the vacancy left by Wawa that his second store is now filling.

Gus's is on the opposite end of the same building that houses Looney's Pub.

Verginakis also owns a pizza delivery shop in Edgewood, Gus's Pizza & Grill, but jumped at the opportunity to expand business into Bel Air.

"We just a felt it left a hole in the neighborhood," he said of Wawa leaving. "We thought it might be a good opportunity to expand in a good location."

Among the customer benefits at Gus's is a $1 deli-use coupon printed on all receipts for the store's ATM, as well as a money-back guarantee on all deli-made food.

That includes pizza.

"Best pizza within 50 miles or it's free–guaranteed," said Verginakis, referring to both stores.

Although the Bel Air location reheats pizza transported from the Edgewood shop, plans are already underway to install ovens at the Bel Air store in hopes of being the area's primary source for delivery pizza.

"We actually sell more pizza here than the other store," Verginakis said. That's why he wants more ovens and more delivery.

Kolakowsi said that Gus's has already added to its plans based on customer feedback. Blueberry cobbler is the latest by-demand coffee flavor and a $1 DVD rental machine will eventually be installed.

The primary difference between Gus's and its competitors, though, will be its local-friendly atmosphere and high quality, the owners said.

"We want to look to have everything that somebody needs. … We're big on doing anything we can to be tied in with the community," Kolakowski said. "Our every day prices are going to be comparable to other people's specials."

So far it is paying off as the store has seen its share of repeat customers.

With hours of 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m. - 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Sunday, the store will have plenty of opportunities to build its reputation.

Said Kolakowski: "I want to return it to its Cheers-type atmosphere."