Di Chiera Brothers, a beloved neighborhood deli that was known for its Italian sandwiches, closed unexpectedly in March 2017 after being in business since 1957. However, much to the delight of North Perth locals and sandwich enthusiasts across Perth, the shop quietly reopened in December after laying dormant for almost eight years. The shop, opened by Giuseppe and Antonio Di Chiera, has long been a beacon for the Italian community and has stocked pasta, olive oil, cheese, and other European goods, both local and imported. The reopening of Di Chiera Brothers has brought back memories of Old Country living and the joy of enjoying a quality Italian sandwich.
While Di Chiera Brothers now offers a variety of sandwiches featuring porchetta, chicken schnitzel, and hot Italian sausage, the true star of the show remains the classic continental roll. The perfectly crafted sandwich features dense layers of ham, salami, mortadella, and coppa atop a crunchy house-baked bread, with the added flavor of Italian pickled eggplant known as melanzane. Tom Di Chiera, who took over the shop from his parents in 1991, recognized the demand for these iconic sandwiches and retooled the business to focus on providing customers with quality Italian rolls. The shop has become a popular destination for those seeking a delicious conti fix in Perth.
The reason behind the shop’s long closure was attributed to a variety of personal, professional, and pandemic-related issues. Tom Di Chiera also faced capital issues, which led him to buy, repair, and resell cars to raise the funds needed to reopen the shop. The reopening of Di Chiera Brothers brought about some changes to the space, including a new coffee bean of choice and shelving made from the original wooden doors of the shop. Despite these changes, the deli retains its nostalgic charm and serves as a reminder of a bygone era.
Di Chiera Brothers continues to be a community hub and a place where customers can connect with the past. The shop is filled with mementos from its long history, including the original sink and a blown-up poster of one of the first dockets from the family’s William Street store. Eleonora Di Chiera, who recently turned 90, still plays a role in the shop, greeting regular customers and assisting with tasks in the small indoor dining area. The reopening of Di Chiera Brothers has brought back fond memories for many and has once again become a beloved destination for those seeking a taste of traditional Italian flavors in Perth.
In addition to its iconic sandwiches, Di Chiera Brothers also stocks a variety of Italianate products, local produce, dried pasta, smallgoods, and drinks that cater to those looking for a taste of European living. The shop has long been a source for hard-to-find European goods and continues to provide customers with a selection of quality products. The reopening of Di Chiera Brothers has not only revived a beloved neighborhood deli but has also brought back a piece of history and tradition for the Italian community in Perth.
Overall, the return of Di Chiera Brothers has been met with excitement and enthusiasm from both North Perth locals and sandwich lovers across Perth. The shop’s dedication to providing quality Italian sandwiches and products, along with its nostalgic charm and connection to the past, has made it a beloved destination once again. Whether customers are in search of a delicious conti fix or a taste of traditional Italian flavors, Di Chiera Brothers continues to deliver on its promise of offering a slice of Italy in the heart of Perth.
