Vitelli’s Deli, a beloved fixture in the Victorville community, has shut its doors after more than two decades of service. The closure came as a surprise to both customers and employees, who were laid off without prior warning, marking the end of an era for the family-owned business.
Kristen Ellison, who had worked at Vitelli’s for the past two years and was a loyal customer long before that, described her shock upon learning that the deli would be closing. “I loved working there,” Ellison shared. “Seeing all of our loyal customers and being a part of Vitelli’s was so much fun. Now, one of the best family-owned delis in the desert is history.”
The news of the closure came directly from the deli’s current owner, Jennifer Looney, who informed the staff that she was being evicted and had no choice but to shut down the business immediately. According to Ellison, the sudden closure left many employees, including her, feeling disheartened and disappointed by the lack of notice. Ellison had even secured a job at the deli for her daughter last summer, further deepening her personal connection to the establishment.
Vitelli’s Deli officially closed on Saturday, September 7, with several employees still processing the abrupt end to their time at the popular spot. Sierra Beagle, the deli’s manager, had been on maternity leave since June and only learned of the closure through former coworkers. Beagle, along with her sister Ashley and Ellison, had been pivotal in running the deli, trying to maintain its reputation despite several ownership changes over the years.
Attempts to contact Looney for comment were unsuccessful, and the deli’s website now bears a message informing customers that the shop is “currently CLOSED” with no option for ordering. The once-bustling deli is now an empty space, with no sign of reopening on the horizon.
A Legacy in Victorville
Vitelli’s Deli first opened its doors 21 years ago in the Wimbledon Center off Hesperia Road. It was originally owned by the Vitelli family, who established a strong local following. After the Vitellis, Bob Steele took over ownership and continued to grow the deli’s customer base until his retirement eight years ago.
Under new ownership, the deli underwent significant changes that ultimately impacted business. Despite efforts by the staff to keep the Vitelli name alive, many loyal customers were lost during this transitional period. Looney, the deli’s most recent owner, had taken over but was unable to continue operations due to eviction, leading to the abrupt closure.
For the employees and customers of Vitelli’s, the closure is not just about the loss of a workplace or a place to grab lunch—it’s the end of a community landmark. “It’s hard to say goodbye without being able to properly thank the customers,” said Ellison, reflecting on the legacy Vitelli’s leaves behind.
Despite the deli’s sudden end, former employees like Ellison hope that the memories of Vitelli’s Deli will be remembered fondly by the community it served for over two decades.
