Makayla Richardson – Portal Realty Commercial Agent
A Chef’s Journey to Gainesville
Gainesville’s sandwich scene got a serious upgrade when executive chef and entrepreneur Richard Sterck brought a touch of northern deli charm to the heart of Florida.
Originally from up north, Sterck honed his culinary skills as the executive chef for Anheuser-Busch and other corporate giants before pivoting to entrepreneurship. In 2006, he launched his own catering business in St. Louis—a move that paid off, especially during the pandemic when his premium ready meals became a local favorite.
From Basketball Dreams to Deli Realities
It wasn’t business but basketball that ultimately brought Sterck to Gainesville. When both of his sons were recruited to play at The Rock School, Sterck packed up, sold his house and catering company, and made the move. “We had nothing,” he recalls. “My wife was working, and I was figuring out my next step.”
A vacant spot near Parkland Apartments caught his eye, and despite its less-than-ideal location, Sterck decided to take the leap. On Valentine’s Day 2022, The Paper Bag Deli opened its doors—and the response was immediate.
Building a Community, One Sandwich at a Time
Within its first month, The Paper Bag Deli was bustling, with profits enough to hire staff and keep the momentum going. A year and a half later, Sterck expanded with a downtown location. Now, he’s on track to open a third spot on the UF campus at Stadium Road.
“We’re not a chain; we’re not trying to be a super authentic Jersey deli. We’re somewhere in between,” Sterck explains. That authentic vibe resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
A Menu Full of Personality
The Paper Bag Deli’s menu reflects Sterck’s personal touch. Many sandwiches are named after family members and inside jokes—like the Evdabev, named for his son Evan, and the Tre Way Jay, for his son Jacob. Specials rotate daily, giving managers and chefs room to innovate.
“I didn’t want generic sandwich names—I wanted something fun and memorable,” Sterck says.
From Guy Fieri to Gainesville Fame
Sterck’s mother helped get The Paper Bag Deli on Food Network’s radar, leading to a visit from none other than Guy Fieri. Fieri called one of the deli’s sandwiches a “destination sandwich” and praised it as the best deli he’d visited in the past decade. “That’s the kind of experience we want to create,” Sterck says proudly.
Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead
Like any food business, The Paper Bag Deli faces challenges—rising food costs and finding the right staff among them. But Sterck’s commitment to community and quality shines through. “Gainesville has welcomed us with open arms,” he says.
As for the future? Sterck’s vision is clear: “Five locations in five years,” with plans to expand into Alachua, Jonesville, Ocala, and Jacksonville.
With a mix of passion, family support, and a knack for creating memorable dining experiences, The Paper Bag Deli is on a mission: changing lives, one sandwich at a time.