In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Alex Stern, the creative force behind the pop-up sandwich concept Deli Ole.. Alex shares how a passion for hospitality, design and community connection fueled the evolution of Deli Ole from intimate rooftop dinners to wildly popular sandwich experiences hosted at some of the city’s most beloved venues. With no brick-and-mortar (yet), Alex leans into pop-up culture to build a distinctive brand identity that blends culinary creativity with a strong aesthetic vision.
Carrie and Alex explore the advantages of starting small, how relationships in the local service industry can turn into real opportunities and why pop-ups serve as the perfect incubator for testing ideas and building loyal audiences. From collaborative branding and merchandise drops to the potential of block parties and future brick-and-mortar dreams, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for creative entrepreneurs, food lovers and anyone building something from scratch.
Mentioned in this episode:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deli.ole/
Helen: https://www.helenbham.com/
Juniper: https://www.juniperbham.com/
Slim’s Pizzeria: https://slimspizzeria.com/
Alex Kiker, videographer: https://www.alexkikerco.com/about
June Coffee: https://www.junecoffee.co/
Jimmy’s Localist episode
Punch Love Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/punchlovecoffee/?hl=en
Golden Age: https://www.goldenagewine.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopBImn8tR8Nyldpf9ILULVhS9Sc5RKKQXCCKydCjKWbjpEIY1EA
Unreasonable Hospitality: https://littleprofessorbookshop.com/products/unreasonable-hospitality-the-remarkable-power-of-giving-people-more-than-they-expect?_pos=1&_sid=5f78a5a24&_ss=r