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Ottawa's Little Italy Icon Di Rienzo Grocery & Deli Listed for Sale After 54 Years
Di Rienzo Grocery & Deli, a family-run Little Italy landmark for about 54 years, is listed for sale at about $2.9 million; owners say operations continue as normal for now.
Why it matters
Di Rienzo Grocery & Deli on Beech Street in Ottawa's Little Italy — a neighbourhood institution run by the same family for about 54 years — has been listed for sale, closing a storied chapter and leaving longtime regulars heartbroken.
Sale details
The real estate listing went up Thursday (Oct. 22) afternoon, asking about $2.9 million — "an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of the city's history," the listing says. The buyer would take over one of Ottawa's most recognizable independent food establishments along with the underlying property.
The Di Rienzo family opened the shop in the early 1970s; it is now run by co-owner Paolo Di Rienzo and his brothers. Paolo left Italy for Canada in 1967, and the family opened the shop in 1973. The deli is famous for its sandwiches — 200 to 300 on a good summer day, Paolo told Radio-Canada in 2023 — plus its cannoli and signature sandwiches.
Owners and regulars
The owners told CTV News Ottawa there is no immediate departure timeline and operations will continue as normal for the foreseeable future. Longtime patrons including Sergio Campagna and Luisa Carter told CTV they were heartbroken, calling the family deli an irreplaceable neighbourhood institution.
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