Dante’s Deli: Glenelg’s own Little Italy

Since opening, Dante’s Deli has quickly become a favourite in Glenelg, capturing the charm of Italy’s panino bars with a laid-back beachside vibe. Co-owned by Nick Buesnel and brothers Blake and Taylor Ferrante, the deli was born from their shared love for Italian-inspired cuisine.

Here’s how SilverChef helped turn their hospitality dream into a reality.

The hospitality dream

The idea for Dante’s Deli started long before opening its doors. Nick, Blake, and Taylor, who spent plenty of time in Italy, wanted to bring the authentic flavours and community spirit of Italian food to Glenelg. Their vision was simple: high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a menu that reflected Italy’s proud culinary traditions.

But serving up premium quality sandwiches to a savvy local crowd isn’t always easy. The costs of equipment, fit-out, and other essentials quickly added up, leaving the team wondering just exactly what their next steps should be. They knew they needed a solution that would let them stay true to their vision – something that would help them deliver the perfect deli experience without breaking the bank.

"SilverChef’s Rent-Try-Buy plan was perfect for us – starting with rented equipment and deciding to buy later really eased our financial stress"

SilverChef hospitality equipment funding

Getting a hospitality business off the ground is no small feat, especially when quality is non-negotiable. Dante’s Deli needed a wide range of specialised kitchen equipment to bring their Italian vision to life. As they tallied up the costs for the fit-out, build, and essential equipment, the expenses quickly began to pile up, leaving Nick and his team searching for a solution that wouldn’t stretch their finances too thin.

SilverChef’s flexible approach allowed the team to fit out their kitchen with the right while avoiding the heavy upfront costs. And the option to swap out equipment as their needs changed made a world of difference in keeping their standards high.

"We didn’t have the right equipment to start off, but SilverChef helped us find what we needed with ease. The process was seamless, and everyone at SilverChef was incredibly helpful."

What’s Next

Opening day at Dante’s Deli was a whirlwind for Nick, Blake, and Taylor – a mix of nerves and excitement as they finally saw their vision come to life. Now, over a year later, the deli has become a local favourite, known for its authentic flavours and warm community vibe.

For the team, the real reward is seeing their customers return day after day, enjoying the sandwiches, coffee, and atmosphere they’ve worked so hard to create. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but the support from key partners like SilverChef has been crucial.

Looking ahead, Nick, Blake, and Taylor are eager to keep evolving, driven by the simple goal that started it all: bringing authentic Italian flavours to Glenelg. With a strong base and a loyal following, there’s no doubt Dante’s Deli is set to continue delighting customers for years to come.

Discover more about Dante’s Deli and how they’ve brought a slice of Italy to the shores of Glenelg.