Eat Good, Feel Good’: Big Belly Deli Now Open in Florissant

Big Belly Deli, located at 392 St. Ferdinand St. in Florissant, is the newest sandwich spot in town. Co-owners Chris Timmermann and Nick Boyd, who have been friends for life, opened the deli last month. With a shared passion for feeding others and unique backgrounds, the owners bring a fresh perspective to the business. Boyd has experience in nonprofit community farming, while Timmermann has worked in various roles in the hospitality industry. Timmermann studied hospitality and restaurant administration at Missouri State University and then moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a manager in training at Nikko Hotel. He credits this experience for shaping his future and considers it a transformative learning experience. Timmermann then opened over 20 restaurants for Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill before returning to his hometown and helping revamp the menu at Henkes Tavern, which helped him gain a local following.

Timmermann and Boyd began their journey towards opening their own restaurant 18 months ago. During their search for a bakery to partner with, they were offered the opportunity to open in the former deli space at Helfer’s Pastries. The two-story building now houses Big Belly Deli, with two ADA accessible tables on the lower level and seating for over 30 upstairs in the main dining area. The decor is still a work in progress, but the owners plan to support local schools by displaying jerseys and photos of area sports teams. Timmermann explains, “We’re trying to build a family atmosphere. We’re both proud to be born and raised in Florissant and we’re here for the long haul.”
The deli offers a variety of sandwiches on different types of bread, all baked at Helfer’s. The featured style is Dutch crunch, a type of bread Timmermann discovered during his time in San Francisco. This Bay Area staple is made with white flour topped with rice flour, giving it a golden, crackled appearance and a slight crunch. Some of the deli sandwiches on the menu include the signature Big Belly, a hearty sandwich made with turkey, bacon, soppressata, and ham, which embodies the eatery’s motto of “eat good, feel good.” Boyd predicts that the CBR (chicken, bacon, ranch) sandwich, served with an optional hot honey sauce, will be the “silent sleeper” of the sandwich selections. Another standout on the menu is the St. Louis cheesesteak, made with thinly sliced rib-eye, sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell and poblano peppers, and served with a creamy cheese sauce.
Overall, Big Belly Deli offers a unique and delicious dining experience in Florissant. With its friendly atmosphere and mouth-watering sandwiches, it’s sure to become a local favorite.