A Taste of Lemmy’s Deli
Nestled in the heart of Terrigal, Lemmy’s Deli is a brand new vibrant sandwich bar that has quickly become a local favourite. We had the pleasure of chatting with Christine, the co-founder, to learn more about the journey that led to Terrigal’s new sandwich deli.
For Christine and her husband Rani, the world of hospitality isn’t new. With 15 years of experience under their belts, including the successful cafe Grind and Co, they’ve built a solid foundation in the industry. “We opened Grind and Co in 2015, and it’s still thriving in Pemulwuy—a true labor of love,” Christine shared.
But what inspired them to create Lemmy’s Deli? “It’s an interesting time in hospitality right now. Customers crave value, but they also want an experience that wows them,” she explained. This insight shaped the concept for Lemmy’s, where every detail—from the decor to the service and, of course, the food—is designed to impress.
After years of visiting, Christine found a special connection to Terrigal. “I’ve been coming here with my family for years. It’s one of those rare places where I can truly relax. With a family and multiple businesses, I always seek moments of calm, and Terrigal offers that.” It was this connection to the community that fueled her desire to bring her passion for hospitality, and unreal sammies, to the area.
When it comes to creating a menu, Christine follows her instincts. “I always think about what I would want when I go out to eat,” she said. Her process often includes sharing new ideas with her sister and best friend to ensure a diverse range of flavours. Some standout items include the Lemmy’s Special—a homage to New York Italian sandwich bars—and the Mortazza, featuring a delicious blend of basil pesto, balsamic, and Mortadella. “The combination of curry mayo slaw and pickled onion in the Le Madras Schnitty is also a must-try!” she added.
In the process of bringing Lemmy’s vision to life, Christine was fortunate to have the mentorship of Sharon Salloum, whose guidance played a crucial role. “I would love to give credit to my mentor, Sharon, who helped bring my ideas to life. Without her, Lemmy’s wouldn’t be as great as it is!” Sharon’s insight and support were key in shaping Lemmy’s into the vibrant deli it is.
Lemmy’s Deli is not just about great food; it’s also about community. Christine is eager to participate in local events, particularly those supporting women in business and entrepreneurship. “I plan to connect with some amazing organisations that I’ve met recently,” she shared.
As Lemmy’s Deli continues to grow, exciting plans are on the horizon. “We have some incredible collaborative events lined up with local and national businesses, and we’ve just launched a social media campaign where 25 locals can access a secret menu. Our first special? A Butter Lobster Roll in collaboration with Woy Woy fish markets!” she revealed.
Finally, we had to know—what’s Christine’s favourite sandwich on the menu? “It has to be the Mortazza. It includes all my favourites—basil pesto, balsamic, my go-to cheese, and Mortadella. I created it because it’s what I want to eat every day!” she laughed.
Lemmy’s Deli embodies the spirit of creativity and community, making it a must-visit for anyone in Terrigal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a new culinary experience, there’s something delicious waiting for you at Lemmy’s.
To check out their menu, head to www.lemmysdeli.com and show them some love on Instagram!
