The San Antonio submarine sandwich shop is still thriving despite steady competition.
SAN ANTONIO — Zito’s Deli in San Antonio celebrated 50 years in 2025.
“I always kid people that we just don’t let anybody in here,” says Brad Zito, owner of Zito’s Deli. “You’ve got to know somebody….time flies when you are having fun. I’ve worked here over 40 years myself. Making a product that I believe in and having people enjoy it is very rewarding.”
The longtime San Antonio restaurant has been know for just that.
“My education was engineering and I always tell people that our sandwiches are engineered like no other,” he said. “All the recipes that were given to me and making them that way to continue with that great unique flavor.”
Consider this: in San Antonio, just like every major city, the submarine sandwich race is full of steady competition with the likes of Subway, Firehouse, Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s and others.
So the idea that Zito’s, with only two locations, is still relevant and popular with the public is as impressive as ever. Obviously their half-century of taste has made the difference.
“It just makes us work that much harder and focus on what we are doing,” Zito said. “We don’t put much thought into the other competition. We know it is out there and I tell my employees that you are as only as good as your last sandwich you make, so make it a good one!”
We tried three of their most popular offerings—The Club, the Italian and the sub for which they are famous: the Serious Sandwich.
Brad said the club sandwich will absolutely put a dent in anyone’s appetite.
The Italian, with their touch, has salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing. And then there’s the Serious Sandwich, which comes complete with salami, two hams, provolone, cheddar, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, onions, spices and Italian dressing.
Sounds serious, right. Trust me, it is delicious. As were all three!
“You can never get tired of eating a Zito’s sandwich,” the owner said.
You can find all the subs at both of their locations: 8800 Broadway #108 and 1554 Babcock.