” Upon entering the Diamond Deli, it’s likely you’re in for not only a good meal, but also a good time. The Diamond Deli, located at 378 S. Main St, opened 10 years ago after a brother and sister team decided to go into business together. My sister did gourmet catering and thought it would be neat to start a business, co-owner Chuck Magilavy said.”
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Upon entering the Diamond Deli, it’s likely you’re in for not only a good meal, but also a good time.

The Diamond Deli, located at 378 S. Main St, opened 10 years ago after a brother and sister team decided to go into business together.

My sister did gourmet catering and thought it would be neat to start a business, co-owner Chuck Magilavy said.

After searching, Chuck Magilavy and his sister Lynda Slikkerveer discovered the location – a former jewelry store that was being sold by its previous owners. The siblings liked the spot and decided to open their business.

At first, the deli was mostly a success during the day, but the Magilavys couldn’t entice the downtown nightlife to come in for a bite to eat.

This did not diminish their enthusiasm, though. They decided to keep the deli open only during lunchtime hours.

For the Magilavys, this formula has proven to be successful.

Customers love the place, especially the award-winning corn beef.

You can’t get a corn beef sandwich that size or that good, raved customer John St. George.

Not only is their food unique, but so are the names of the sandwiches. Some are named after customers, others are from family members, Magilavy said.

Some of the sandwich names include Zack’s yeah right dad and Chad’s wait ’til you hear this story. These are phrases that the Magilavy family members recited growing up.

The deli has become so well known that people from out of town come to Akron to see for themselves.

It was convenient and I heard a lot of good things about it, customer Deborah Smartt said. I love it, and I like the atmosphere.

Along with the great food, it also has a friendly atmosphere and meals that average about $5.

I like to treat people the way I like to be treated, Chuck Magilavy said. We have a lot of fun with the customers.

That is apparent, as all the employees are friendly toward the customers and seem to enjoy their fast-paced, sandwich-slinging jobs.

The deli serves about 300 customers a day, with an estimated 5 to 10 percent being staff and faculty from the University of Akron.

Akron Aeros and other sports memorabilia line the walls of the deli, giving it a local flare. This time of year, the deli becomes a hotspot for Aeros players, said Brett Magilavy, Chuck’s son and an employee at the deli.

The Diamond Deli is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is just a short walk from campus.

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