Ruma’s Deli Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

Although Ruma’s Deli only closed for six weeks to do some remodeling and updating, loyal customers missed ordering their favorite sandwiches.

A neighborhood tradition since 1974, this popular deli has fed generations of customers. Most of the menu, including specialties named after family members, has remained the same over time.

According to manager Mac Metzler: “We stick with our family recipes. Since we opened, we’ve added a few things to the menu, but there have been no big changes. People like to order their favorites by name, so we don’t change them.”

Business was brisk on the Saturday following the re-opening. Long-standing customers flocked in to satisfy their craving for a hearty, familiar sandwich or a crisp “Super Salad” tossed with their signature creamy Italian dressing.

Brock Ruma’s son, Tyler Duffin, helped with some last minute adjustments to the remodeling.

“I have been around here my whole life," he said "I grew up here, helped build the place, and now I’m working here. It’s great.”

Mike and Rachel Seabaugh drove to Ruma’s from O’Fallon, Mo., to enjoy a pair of Gerbers together. For newcomers, a Gerber is an open-faced, toasted ham and cheese sandwich with garlic butter.

“I’m a long-standing customer," said Mike Seabaugh. "My parents live nearby, so I always stop in for a sandwich when I visit them. I wanted Rachel to try one.”

Pete and Leona Pizzella shared a booth. Each ordered their favorite sandwich, a Gerber for Leona and a Ruma’s Super for Pete. 

“We’ve been coming here since they opened," said Leona Pizzella. "They have the best sandwiches in town. I don’t know which one is the best.”

Pete Pizella added:  “You don’t leave here hungry.”  

None of the casual, neighborhood café ambiance has changed with the remodel. The tables and booths are in the same places, memorabilia still hangs on the walls and you still place your order at the counter as you walk in the door. The new look is just a brighter and fresher version of the original 1974 décor. You will feel right at home.

Fortunately, none of the remodeling involved changing the menu offerings or prices. On my visit, I had a corned-beef Rueben and a Super Salad with the creamy Italian dressing on the side. Both were excellent. The over-stuffed sandwich lived up to all of my expectations and memories. The Super Salad was a crisp iceberg salad with tomatoes, black olives, onions, small peppers and plenty of salami strips on the top.

In addition to sandwiches, Ruma’s Deli has a large variety of pizza and pasta offerings. You can find them all listed on the giant menu above the ordering counter. You may also choose from a long list of sides and extras including, potato salad, slaw, chicken wings, soup and garlic cheese bread.

Once you place your order and claim a table or booth, you wait until they call out your order. When you hear your order, pick up your tray and get your supply of napkins and condiments. All the dishes and cutlery are disposable. Standard protocol at Ruma’s Deli is to clear off your table of debris before you leave. All of the regulars know the drill and are quite willing to tidy up after themselves. It is a tradition.