Missoula, Montana-based Tagliare Delicatessen, an award-winning Italian deli known for its classic rock-themed sandwiches and house-made sauces, will open its third location — the company's first in Washington state — in February.

Van Vega co-owns the new deli, which is currently under construction at 10219 W. Highway 2 in the Hazelwood Square Shopping Center, just over a quarter-mile east of Hayford Road. 

“This is the first location I’m co-owning with new leadership,” says Vega. “I really want to focus on culture and customer feedback. Customers are a huge part of why we do this. It’s a partnership. We’re not a franchise or a massive company. We’re just two guys doing what we love and sharing it with the world.”

Tagliare already operates two locations in Missoula run by Matt Benzel, where the company has built a loyal following for its New York-style, Italian-inspired sandwiches, imported wines, and charcuterie boards, as well as its grab-and-go items.

Vega, who grew up in Spokane, says the expansion here feels natural because of Spokane’s proximity to Missoula.

“There are already people here who know us,” Vega says. “Spokane felt like the right place to take the next step.”

Though the business has changed hands several times in about 20 years of operation, Vega describes Tagliare as a close-knit, niche operation that's rooted in authenticity and culture.

The Spokane location, neighboring The Man Shop and Froyo Earth retailers, will introduce features not found in the Montana shops, including in-store seating, new signage, and decor designed to reflect the company’s identity. A vinyl record display will highlight the deli’s rock-inspired branding.

“Anyone familiar with our sandwiches knows they’re named after old rock bands, so the vinyl records really bring that to life,” Vega explains.

Sandwiches are central to Tagliare’s appeal, with each menu item built around a unique house-made sauce.

“All these sandwiches have a unique sauce designated for that sandwich, but we also accommodate our customers,” he says. “We’ll have gluten-free options, salads, and build-your-own sandwiches. If you just want bread and cheese, we can do that. If you want four meats, four vegetables, and more, we can do that. Sandwiches can be as complex or as crazy as you’d like.”

Beyond sandwiches, Vega highlights the deli’s selection of imported meats, cheeses, and wines as a defining feature.

“We have authentic meat and cheese selections from goudas to bries to parmesans, to salamis and prosciutto,” he says. “We also have imported wine. I really think that creates a culture that is not really there in many places.”

Vega says accessibility remains a core value despite its selection of imported ingredients. 

“We really focus on our menu being within an affordable range,” he says. “But we also want a wide variety of options for all our customers and their designated palates.”

Among the menu standouts, Vega names the Mad Max, a grilled sandwich with turkey, cheddar, onions, basil, and house-made vinaigrette, as his personal favorite.

“You’ve got to have them grilled,” he says. “The Mad Max is my favorite, but fan favorites include the Misfit, which is sweet and spicy, and the Beach Boy, our take on a California club. And the Queen is underrated. It’s almost like dessert.”

Beyond its menu, Tagliare has earned a strong reputation contributing to Missoula’s food scene. In 2025, the deli was voted best takeout, best lunch, best sandwich, and best deli by Missoula residents, he says.

“Think of all the takeout spots, all the lunch spots, all the sandwich places,” Vega says. “Our customers voted us number one in those categories, and that’s huge to me. We do have a reputation, and we want to keep that standard here in Spokane.”

For Vega, the Spokane opening is about more than expansion. It's about translating Tagliare’s identity into a new city while building relationships with customers.

“We want to take what Missoula has created and perfect it here,” he says. “We want to be a destination, a place where people feel welcomed and excited to be part of what we’re building.”

As Tagliare prepares to open in February, Vega says he hopes Spokane residents will see the deli not just as a new place to eat, but as a community-driven spot where people feel welcomed and involved.