While working through renovations on their new deli, Anna Brannen and her team discovered a stained glass fixture depicting Gus’s Deli as it once stood, a yellow building with a teal awning. Instead of replacing the past, she used it as inspiration, tracking down the original awning color so the deli’s new look will reflect its past.
“I want lots of laughter, good music and just people coming into that space to share the happy and positive vibes that San Luis has to offer,” new Gus’s Deli co-owner, Anna said. “We should all just be happy with being alive and being able to share that space with our friends and family.”
After closing their doors in January 2025, Gus’s Deli has plans to reopen in summer 2026 under new ownership.
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New owners, the Brannens are planning on keeping the legacy alive, as well as the name. Anna said that even if they were to have changed the name, everyone knows that corner as Gus’s.
Gus’s Grocer and Deli was opened by the original owners, Mike and Ellen Stanton, in 1989, after Ellen purchased the storefront as a Cal Poly senior, according to Anna. The shop was passed down to the manager at the time, Shannon Koester, but following staffing issues and appliance troubles, Gus’s closed in January 2025.
“[Gus’s] space is really in our neighborhood–our community. It’s really special to us, you know, where we live around the corner, our kids go to school around the corner. It’s our hood,” Anna said.
Along with the renovations, the Brannens are also making meaningful additions to the menu. Anna, who has celiac disease along with her daughter, said the deli will offer gluten-free options prepared with dedicated equipment to avoid cross-contamination.
“Being able to make gluten-free food is obviously a necessity in our house. There’s no going around it. I want to be able to bring this into the deli where people can stop saying, ‘Oh, it’s really good for gluten-free.’ You should be like, ‘Oh, it’s really good,’” Anna said.
The couple also plans to bring vegan and vegetarian options to the shop.
After listening to community feedback, the Brannens are hoping to bring back some of the original menu offerings, such as the spiced potato wedges called “Mojos,” along with their fried chips and fried pickles. They also hope to eventually expand into breakfast hours, bringing back Gus’s breakfast burritos.
In October 2025, Nick and Anna Brannen, finalized their lease for the previous Gus’s Deli storefront located at 1638 Osos St. The Brannens are San Luis Obispo locals and both attended Cal Poly. Nick has owned a couple of different businesses, and Anna studied nutrition, along with having many years of management experience.
Anna also had a message for longtime customers who may be hesitant about the changes.
“I get it. I understand your hesitancy, but we are new owners and we are focused on a healthy, clean, up-to-date and delicious menu for everyone in your group to come and try,” Anna said. “Give us a try — we really, really hope we do you proud. And, I am open for feedback, come to me and we will work to resolve it.”
The planned hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for phase one of deli operations.