Tucked inside the walls of an old church in McLaren Vale Joe’s Deli + Soup Kitchen is bringing fresh purpose to a space steeped in history. This new offshoot of Joe’s at Sabella has transformed part of the heritage building into a community-driven cafe with a lot of heart.
Eclectic furniture and a simple promise of good food and a warm welcome is what you can expect. Joe’s “secret toasties” are set to become cult favourites. Think pappardelle bolognese tucked between crunchy bread, braised rabbit with chilli curd, and rich seasonal flavours like truffle and taleggio.
Joe’s Deli + Soup Kitchen isn’t just about serving food, it’s about making a difference, one nourishing meal at a time. Having opened on May 22, this new venture is far from your typical deli. It’s not about fine dining or flashy interiors. Instead, it’s a place where kindness is served alongside every dish, and where a warm bowl of soup can mean the world to someone facing tough times.
According to owner Timmy, the support has been incredible, with people from all walks of life showing up to experience both the food and the message behind the venture.
“A lot of people have come down to show support, and the ‘pay it forward’ concept is really taking off,” Timmy says.
The Thursday Community Hour, a key part of Joe’s mission, has been particularly well received. While it doesn’t draw crowds of people asking for free meals, it’s creating a strong sense of community.
Timmy has noticed a steady stream of young mothers coming in with their children, enjoying the space, sharing a meal, and building connections.
“It’s really heartwarming to see people creating their own little community here. It’s all about giving them a place to come together and feel at home,” he adds.
The initiative also supports people in need, particularly families struggling to make ends meet. Timmy has been working with local foster care and support services to ensure those who need the meals can get them.
However, it’s not just about food, it’s about good food and creating a space that’s free of judgment.
“It’s important that people know they can come here and not feel like they’re being looked down on. They’re just here to enjoy a meal in peace.”
Despite the positive feedback, there have been a few challenges. Timmy jokes about the quirks of the old church building, mentioning that after just a week, he’s already renovating again due to a few unexpected holes in the ceiling from the rain.
“It’s the joys of working with an old building,” he laughs.
Looking ahead, Timmy is excited about expanding the charity side of the business. He wants to offer more consistency, making Joe’s Deli a reliable source of support for those in need.
“We’re having fun with the food, but we also want to make sure we can scale this and help as many people as possible,” he says.
Whether it’s delivering soup or bread to families, Timmy wants Joe’s to be a dependable part of the community.
Despite only being in its early stages, the Deli has already built a loyal customer base. People are returning week after week, and the support has been heartening.
“Everyone who’s come in seems to be really happy with what we’re doing. The loyalty cards are flying off the counter, and the bad weather has actually helped get people in the mood for some comforting soup.”
With volunteers already reaching out to help, Timmy is looking forward to expanding the team as things grow.
“We’ve had so many people offer to volunteer. It’s amazing how much the community is willing to give,” he says. While things are still early days, he’s hopeful that the future will bring even more people on board as the concept continues to gain traction.
For now, Joe’s Deli + Soup Kitchen is thriving with its humble yet heartfelt mission. With its growing community, charitable focus, and delicious meals, Timmy and his team are looking forward to what’s to come. The next phase will be to establish a more structured service, helping even more people while continuing to have fun with the food.
Joe’s Deli + Soup Kitchen is an offshoot of the already existing venue Joe’s at Sabella, with limited operation hours in comparison to the main venue (Thurs-Sat 12pm-4pm).
Joe’s Deli + Soup Kitchen
Where: 133 Main St, McLaren Vale
When: Wednesdays 5pm (Local’s Pasta Night). Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12pm-10pm. Sunday 12pm-5pm
For more information, click here.
More News
