Frankie & Wally’s lasagna pop-up to open deli in Coral Gables on February 18 with an Italian market, gourmet sandwiches, and an outdoor patio.
Photo by Andrea Grieco of @mixeats on Instagram
One of Miami’s favorite pandemic success stories is finally ready to plant roots in Coral Gables.
Frankie & Wally’s Gourmet Market & Deli has set a soft opening date for Wednesday, Feb. 18, ending a year-long wait for the fans who followed their food truck from Allapattah to the Gables to snag its hit lasagna. (For those who can’t wait until then, they’re hosting a special preview event this Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
From left: Chefs Wally and Frankie of Frankie and Wally’s in Coral Gables
Frankie & Wally’s photo
A Zesty Match Made in Culinary School
The journey to this permanent brick-and-mortar space has been a long time coming for its local fans. Owners Frankie and Wally met in culinary school and spent the last few years turning a side project into a full-scale sandwich craze. They secured the building on Palermo Avenue quite a while ago, and local food lovers have been watching the timeline stretch out as the team navigated the buildout.
Now that the wait is finally ending, the neighborhood is gaining more than just a place to grab a hero. This location features a covered patio for those who want to stay and eat.
From Lasagna Deliveries to Palermo Avenue
The brand actually started as a lasagna project during the lockdowns. They began by delivering pans of comfort food directly to homes before moving to a food truck parked at Superblue. That lasagna is what first got the city talking, and it remains on the brand’s menu as they transition into this permanent home.
The expansion to the Gables allows the duo to grow far beyond their original menu. The new space functions as an all-day spot rather than a deli counter. Diners can find specialty groceries imported from Italy and Spain sitting alongside local Miami brands on the shelves. There is a specialty coffee bar and a selection of pastries for the morning crowd, plus rotisserie chicken and salads for a quick lunch.
Diners can find specialty groceries imported from Italy and Spain sitting alongside local Miami brands on the shelves.
Screenshot via Instagram/@frankie_and_wallys
An Italian Market and Gourmet Sandwiches
Of course, there are plenty of subs to choose from, too.
One of the stars of the menu is “The Wally,” featuring golden-roasted turkey and Muenster cheese on artisanal bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, and a mix of mayo and spicy mustard. For those who prefer the classics, “The Frankie” sticks to ham, salami, and white American cheese, while the “Il Padrino” is another favorite filled with ham, salami, and mortadella.
Frankie & Wally’s Gourmet Market & Deli. 216 Palermo Ave., Coral Gables; frankieandwallys.com. Opening Wednesday, February 18.