An Ottawa sandwich shop that has become a beloved cultural institution in the city has been listed for sale, but its owner says he believes his family’s traditions will carry on. The building that houses Di Rienzo Grocery and Deli was listed on Realtor.ca on Thursday, with an asking price of $2,899,900. The listing says it is a chance to “own a piece of the city’s history.” The corner lot on Beech Street at Champagne Avenue is for sale, which includes the business and the residential space above. “A rare opportunity presents itself to acquire both this established business and the real estate it calls home,” the listing says. Di Rienzo has been in business for more than 50 years, having opened in 1973 as a grocery store. It became famous for its authentic Italian sandwiches, a tradition that started when the family decided to start feeding the workers who were doing major construction work in the area during the business’s early days. In the years since, the business attracted a loyal base of customers. “More than just a business, Di Rienzo’s has become part of Ottawa’s culinary identity, attracting generations of customers who return for the quality, tradition, and familiar experience,” the listing said. On Friday, owner Paolo Di Rienzo told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal that it was time to retire. “Me and my brothers, we have decided to sell because, I mean, after 50 some years, you know, somebody’s got to go their own way. We cannot keep it all the time because we’re getting too old for this,” he said. Di Rienzo thanked his customers from across the city and elsewhere for more than 50 years of support. “We have to thank all the people from Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, because a lot of people come from all over the place over here, and that’s all I’m going to say,” he said. He expects the business will continue on after it is sold. “I don’t think it’s going to close. I think it’s going to go as a deli,” he said. The Realtor.ca listing says the sale “presents a unique opportunity for an entrepreneur, investor, or established operator to carry forward the legacy of one of Ottawa’s most recognizable independent food establishments,” while securing ownership of the Little Italy property.
