Rocco’s finally opens

Growing up near Dearborn’s Alcamo’s Market, Gabe Guido, Jeff Guido, and Kyle Mrkva, were tired of driving from Detroit every time they wanted fresh Italian cheeses and meats. After participating in Hatch Detroit in 2014 – where they were a semifinalist – it seemed they weren’t the only ones hoping for something similar in Detroit, and the idea for Rocco’s Italian Deli was formed. (The name comes from Gabe’s two grandfathers, one had Rocco for a first name, the other as a last name. It’s also his middle name.) “It’s incredibly validating to get to this point and see our concept fully realized and see people enjoying what we’re doing,” said Gabe, co-owner and marketing director, about their June opening. Located at 3627 Cass Avenue in Detroit, Rocco’s menu is a mix of typical, Italian deli sandwiches along with more inventive and adventurous ones. There’s also three salads, a deli case full of meats and cheeses, and a few Italian specialty goods made in-house. And they have potato and pasta salads, which you need to arrive early to get. “We’ve had a hard time keeping those stocked,” Guido laughed.

Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.