ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Farmers market pop-up Finest has built a strong local following around the deli’s farm-fresh, Italian-American grub. Next week, the pop-up will transform into a place to pop in, officially opening a brick-and-mortar location in West Asheville.
Finding Finest
Open to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the new Finest location is located 794 Haywood Road, right next to Asheville Retrocade and Odd’s Café.
The shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, with breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, with a special “egg window” from 8 to 9 a.m. and brunch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The space itself is designed to transport guests to a mid-century Italian deli, with a warm and whimsical feel,” a press release described. “The design incorporates distinct eras, from red tiles sourced from 1970s Genoa, Italy, to a collection of vintage furniture with some pieces dating as far back as the 1920s. Decor details like baby photos of the staff and food-themed kids’ toys create a truly personal and neighborly atmosphere.”
The Finest team
Finest was founded by Mike Bean, who first began the farmers market pop-ups in 2023, and co-owned with Gab Bonfiglio, a wine and beer professional who will serve as the Finest director of beverage, events and front-of-house. The kitchen staff will be led by executive chefs Brooke Adams and Danny Cairo.
“The staff is deeply committed to community,” Finest wrote in the press release. “In the aftermath of last year’s Hurricane Helene, many members of the management team, including Mike and Gab as core staff, took part in local disaster relief efforts, serving meals and driving outreach with World Central Kitchen.”
That commitment to community is reflect in the Finest menu, which will offer a wide variety of meals for breakfast and lunch, including ready-made options and a deli case. Many of the ingredients for Finest sandwiches are also locally-sourced, deriving from farms like J4 Cattle, Black Trumpet Farm and Dry Ridge Farm. Drink options will include local draft beers and coffee from Hendersonville bakery Underground Baking Co.
What’s on the menu?
According to the Finest press release, menu options will include:
Breakfast, 7-11 a.m., Wednesday-Friday
“A convenient walk-up ‘egg window’ offers a bodega egg sandwich, vegan fritter sandwich, and hot broths. The “Workweek Special” features a bodega egg sandwich and a house dark roast for just $8.
Lunch, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Friday
“Enjoy made-to-order classic sandwiches like chicken parm and Italian cold cut combo, fresh salads and deli sides, plus kid-friendly options. The ‘Service Worker Lunch’ features a chopped cheese made with J4 Cattle beef, served with a bag of chips and a Coke or Miller High Life for $15.
Brunch, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday
“All-day brunch features classics like a bodega-style bacon, egg & cheese sandwich, spicy Italian eggs in purgatory, tuna melt, and pasta and red sauce. The ‘egg window’ opens at 8 a.m.
Grab + Go
“For those on the run, pre-made sandwiches, fresh salads, pickles, olives and deli salads are available.
Deli case and grocery
“The deli case offers high-quality cold cuts, including house-roasted turkey, giardiniera and pickles and salads by the pound. The grocery section stocks staples like olive oil, tomatoes, dry pasta and classic candies.”
For more about Finest, visit www.finestavl.com.