What started as a five-year project is now going on 33 years – with many more to come.

Delicatessens come and go, but Cheers Deli in San Carlos, next door to Keil’s Fresh Food Store, has weathered many storms and still survives. What is the secret?

The secret is serving a great sandwich. High-quality ingredients. Fresh, delicious bread. Special sauces that add just that little punch. “We want to give the customers good value for their money. People just want a good deli sandwich,” said owner Manny Keriakos (pictured above).

“Last weekend we sold 400 sandwiches in one day. It can get hectic behind the counter. We typically have five people working in a small galley kitchen. It takes fancy footwork to maneuver in a tight area. Many of my employees have been here for many years. Even my 90-year-old dad works every day helping stock the shelves.” added Keriakos.

Some favorite specialty sandwiches are: The godfather which boasts all Italian meats including capocollo, cotto salami, Italian salami and provolone cheese with Italian dressing served on a French roll. The chainsaw sandwich is roast beef with melted provolone cheese served on a crispy French roll topped with whipped cream cheese and bacon. T.B.A.C., a delicious combination of fresh turkey breast, bacon, avocado slices and cheddar cheese served on a French roll.

If chicken is your preference try the Santa Fe Chicken sandwich of marinated chicken breast, roasted red bell peppers with melted jalapeno jack cheese and avocado served on a French roll with sweet hot honey mustard. The Cheers combo club is also a very popular jumbo sandwich with turkey, ham, crisp bacon and cheddar cheese.

Cheers also has a broad wine selection with well-known wines that are of good value. You can find many wines under $20, both red and white wines. If you’re a beer drinker, you’re in luck. “I try to have a mixture of national favorites and local craft brews. This is an IPA area, we stock a variety of these but we also have many famous national brands. New Belgium Brewery from Colorado is well-represented as is Stone Brewery from Escondido,” said Keriakos. This is not to forget the entire wall of spirits; Gin, Rum, Vodka, Scotch and many more.

If you have a party you want catered, Keriakos provides party platters filled with meats, cheeses and salads of your choice.

Cheer’s Deli is located at 6983 Navajo Road. Call (619) 463-9991 for information. You can visit the deli online at cheersdeli.com.

– Robin Dohrn-Simpson is a local food and travel writer. Reach her at: robindohrnsimpson.com.