Step inside Morelli's Deli Catering on 75th Street and you’ll feel it instantly — that unmistakable Kenosha warmth, the kind that hits you before the smell of homemade soup even reaches your nose. For 25 years, Morelli’s has been more than a deli. It’s been a neighborhood anchor, a gathering spot, a safe place for kids, a memory-maker, and a keeper of old-school hospitality in a world that’s gotten pretty fast.
And at the center of it all? Ann and Tom Morelli, a pair of hardworking, big-hearted Kenoshans who turned a little corner store into a community institution.
Ann Morelli with Brian Kramp of FOX 6 during Kenosha Restaurant Week 2023
Where It Started: A Leap of Faith and a Lot of Love
The story begins back in 1998, when Ann and Tom purchased Southport Pantry — a small neighborhood store just blocks from their home. Tom had dreamed of owning his own place again after previously running a Racine shop called Total 24 with two other partners, but when the opportunity came to buy this one, Ann and Tom didn’t hesitate.
Both Ann and Tom brought years of foodservice and operations experience with them from Walgreens and Southland Distribution to Open Pantry, where each eventually held the role of VP of Operations. They knew the business. They knew the community. But most importantly… they knew how to work.
In those early days, the hours were long, the staff was small, and the deli wasn’t yet the neighborhood legend it is today. Tom built out the Italian beef program, perfected soups and sandwiches, and filled the store with exactly what the neighborhood needed at the time. Kenosha was a different place then — no Walgreens nearby, no big-box competition — and Morelli’s grew right alongside the community it served.
By 2001, the Morellis purchased the property outright. They had planted their roots deep.
Evolving with Kenosha — and Never Losing Their Soul
Morelli’s has weathered a lot — changing trends, the rise of big-box stores, shifting buying habits, and even the crushing blow of major road construction that nearly shut them down for good.
“That almost destroyed us,” Ann said. “We just worked hard, kept our heads low, and our neighborhood kept supporting us.”
That loyalty became the deli’s compass. The focus shifted more toward homemade food — scratch-made sloppy joes, BBQ chicken, vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, a curated wine selection, rotating IPAs, and even organic grocery items. Their soups developed cult followings. Their guacamole and salsas are hand-made because “we just wouldn’t sell them any other way.”
Yet through all the changes, one thing never budged: the feeling.
Walk in and you’re greeted. Regulars are known by name — often by their whole family tree. Morelli’s still answers the phone to take orders. Ann still stocks the shelves herself. The deli still runs on old-fashioned values: consistency, kindness, quality, and showing up every day.
A Place Where Memories Are Made
Morelli’s is one of those rare Kenosha spots that locals grow up with — literally.
“We’ve known some customers since they were in the womb,” Ann said with a laugh. Kids have used the deli as a safe place to warm up or call for a ride. Adults come back years later just to say hi. Others bring visiting friends to show off the “little deli they grew up with.”
And then there are the out-of-towners — the visitors who hear about Morelli’s from locals or online, stop in, and leave fans for life. Many take Italian beef home across state lines. Floridians especially seem to swear by it.
“To be a place people recommend to visitors means everything,” Ann said. “It’s a privilege to be part of people’s everyday lives.”
The Secret Ingredient? Love — and a Whole Lot of Hard Work
What makes a great deli sandwich? Ann puts it simply: “The love going into the food.”
Morelli’s doesn’t cut corners — not on ingredients, not on bread, not on consistency. Their Italian beef is legendary because it’s made with a reliable cut, a trusted spice blend, and taste-testing overseen by Tom himself.
Their soups — like cream of chicken with rice, vegetable beef, and creamy Tuscan sausage — are made from scratch. Their dips, salsas, and guacamole? House-made, always. And their monthly meal deals give families an affordable way to try something new.
Even after 25 years, Ann still loves every part of the work — stocking shelves, prepping food, greeting customers. “I still clean the bathroom if needed,” she said. “I love all of it.”
The Heart Behind the Counter
The Morelli name is woven deeply into Kenosha’s story. Ann and Tom have been recognized as “Kenoshans of the Week,” not for fame, but for the simple fact that they show up for their community.
They’ve donated food to local schools, supported nearby Southport Elementary, and quietly given back in countless ways. One of the greatest compliments they’ve ever received? A longtime customer who became such a close friend that he put them in his will.
That’s the kind of connection you can’t buy — you earn it one sandwich, one smile, and one conversation at a time.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Today, Ann continues to run the store while Tom just received a kidney transplant. Ann hopes that one day he’ll feel well enough to return to the deli that has been part of their life for decades. “We miss him at the store,” she said. “We hope he can come back.”
Their legacy? It’s simple.
“When people walk through our door, we want them to feel welcome,” Ann said.
And they do.
Every single day.
Why Morelli’s Deli Is a Must-Visit in Kenosha
If you’re traveling through Kenosha — whether you're exploring our lakefront museums, enjoying the downtown, or visiting for the first time — Morelli’s is one of those local gems that gives you the true flavor of the city.
Stop in for…
- The iconic Italian Beef
- Build-your-own sandwiches (with vegan & vegetarian options!)
- A rotation of homemade soups that locals swear by
- Breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and a huge selection of beverages
- Take-and-bake pizzas, catering options, and monthly sandwich deals
And most importantly — stop in for the people.
Morelli’s Deli isn’t just a place to grab a sandwich. It’s a place that feels like home, whether you were born in Kenosha or you’re visiting for a weekend.
Visit Morelli's Deli Catering!
7506 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143
(262) 654-9316
