New Italian deli opens in Conway. New Jersey man opened because he missed food from home

A new Italian deli has opened in Conway.

Leone’s Italian Deli, 337 Main St. in Conway, is still in the process of getting things set up, but that hasn’t stopped people from stopping by and ordering sandwiches.

And owner Jim Leone hasn’t turned anyone away, serving them made-to-order sandwiches off his extensive menu.

He is hoping to open officially Oct. 1.

Leone has been in the restaurant business for years, operating another Italian restaurant in New Jersey before selling it and moving to the Myrtle Beach area 10 years ago. He moved to Conway in January.

He opened the deli because he longed for the food he could get in his home state.

“(As you’re) going around eating, you miss that food,” Leone said. So when an opportunity came up, Leone decided to bring “all my experience to the Conway district.”

Breakfast is served from 7 to 11 a.m., and it includes bacon, egg, sausage, or cheese sandwiches and the Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Sandwich.

For lunch, customers can choose between cold and hot sandwiches. One of the deli’s signature sandwiches is The Angelo, named after Leone’s grandson. It has Mortadella, Italian Coppa, Prosciutto di Parma, shredded lettuce, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a balsamic glaze.

There are also cheesesteaks and sandwiches named after the area, including The Conway and The Main Street.

Lunch is served until 3 p.m., and dine-in or take-out is offered.

Leone said everything is made to order, so “be patient for a really good sandwich.”

Once open, Leone is planning on offering an Italian dinner experience on Sundays, in which reservations will be taken for two seatings that will offer white table cloth service.

Also, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the deli will stay open until 11 p.m. or midnight for Door Dash in order to serve area college students, including those at nearby Coastal Carolina University.