From Boots to Bread: Veteran Danny Souder Opens East Side Deli & Wine Shop

  from-boots-to-bread-veteran-danny-souder-opens-east-side-deli-wine-shop.html
  Food and Wine on Fri, Nov 28th, 2025 by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
      Locale: UNITED STATES

From Boots to Breads: A Veteran’s Journey to the East Side Deli & Wine Shop

When you stroll through the bustling heart of Cincinnati’s East Side, the scent of fresh bread, the clink of wine glasses, and the hum of conversation greet you. It’s the new East Side Deli & Wine Shop, a neighborhood staple that has been making waves since its grand opening last month. But behind the freshly baked bagels and the curated wine selection lies a story of resilience, service, and a passion for food that has spanned two decades.

The owner, Danny Boy Mariemont Daniel Souder, is no stranger to the kitchen. A 20‑year veteran of the U.S. Army, Souder served in Afghanistan, where he was first introduced to the culinary world—cooking for his squad in makeshift kitchens, learning how to stretch limited resources into nourishing meals for a small team. After his honorable discharge in 2015, he turned his experience into a business, launching a modest catering service in Dayton. “I realized that food was more than sustenance; it was a way to bring people together,” Souder told the local reporter from Local12.com. “I wanted to create that connection on a larger scale, and that’s what led me to the East Side.”

The concept for the deli came to life when Souder attended a veterans’ entrepreneurship seminar hosted by the Cincinnati Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). The seminar, which also featured a panel on navigating small‑business financing, sparked the idea of combining his love for hearty sandwiches with a curated selection of wines. “I saw an opportunity in the East Side—a neighborhood with a rich cultural tapestry but limited upscale food options,” Souder recalled. “The deli would be a place where you could enjoy classic deli fare, find a bottle of wine to pair, and feel at home.”

A Menu That Tells a Story

The deli’s menu is a nod to Souder’s military heritage and his East Cincinnati roots. The menu features a “Barracks BLT,” a triple‑layered sandwich with house‑made bacon, cheddar, and pickled onions, served on freshly baked sourdough. Another crowd‑pleaser is the “Patriot Pastrami,” featuring slow‑roasted pastrami, Swiss cheese, and a mustard‑ketchup fusion. But the deli isn’t just about sandwiches; it also offers a rotating charcuterie board and a selection of fresh salads crafted from locally sourced produce.

In a nod to the East Side’s growing wine culture, the deli’s wine shop is curated to complement its sandwich menu. The shop hosts “Sip & Savor” evenings, where patrons can taste a curated list of American and European wines paired with deli samples. Souder’s passion for wine is personal: he studied wine appreciation at the University of Cincinnati’s Extension program and has a growing collection of award‑winning wines, many sourced from local Ohio vineyards.

Community at the Core

Souder’s venture isn’t purely about profit. The deli has become a hub for community engagement. Each Sunday, the deli hosts a “Veterans’ Table,” where retired service members share stories while enjoying free sandwiches and wine. The deli also partners with the Cincinnati Food Bank to donate unsold bread and pastries on weekdays. “We’re not just feeding people; we’re creating a space where the community can feel seen and supported,” Souder said.

The East Side Deli & Wine Shop has also partnered with the local high school’s culinary arts program. Students rotate through the kitchen as part of a mentorship program, learning hands‑on skills in sandwich making, wine pairing, and front‑of‑house customer service. “It’s about passing on knowledge and giving back,” Souder emphasized.

From the Field to the City Hall

The deli’s opening was a result of a collaborative effort with the city of Cincinnati. The CEDC’s “Veteran Entrepreneur Support” grant provided a $20,000 down‑payment loan, easing the financial burden of acquiring the storefront. In addition, the city offered a 12‑month tax abatement for businesses that hire veterans, giving Souder an incentive to create job opportunities for former service members.

The East Side’s local government officials were quick to support the new venture. City Councilmember Maria Gonzales praised Souder’s commitment to community building and noted that the deli would add to the neighborhood’s vibrant mix of small businesses. “We’re proud to see a veteran contribute to our city’s economic vitality and cultural richness,” Gonzales said.

Looking Forward

As the East Side Deli & Wine Shop settles into its new role, the future looks bright. Souder is already planning a pop‑up “Military Meals” event for the upcoming Fourth of July, celebrating American heritage with a menu inspired by military rations and modern culinary techniques. He is also exploring a second location in the West Side, where the demand for authentic deli fare and curated wines remains high.

For now, the deli continues to be a testament to the transformative power of food, community, and veteran entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a regular patron, a curious newcomer, or simply passing by, you’re sure to feel the warmth of a place built on dedication, service, and a shared love for good food.

If you’d like to see the deli’s menu, check out their official website (link: https://eastside-deli.com) or follow them on Instagram (@EastSideDeli). For more information on the veteran entrepreneurship program, visit the CEDC’s page (link: https://cedc.org/veteran-entrepreneurship).