Odise Armata is one of the hardest working people I know. Affectionately known to most as “Odi”, the owner -proprietor of St. Pete Beach Produce & Deli has accomplished a lot since opening a small produce store 5 years ago. He moved across the street from the PCI Resort at 6335 Gulf Blvd. and expanded into a popular deli, sandwich and salad shop with a reputation for the best gyro and Greek salads in town. He has since flown back to Albania and married Mirela.
The couple’s son is almost a year old. Odi has a good selection of Boars Head meats and cheeses priced about $2 a pound under the grocery store prices.
He has widened his selection of imported foods, olive oil, feta cheese, olives, bottled beers and wines, local honey and homemade desserts, some of which are made with love by Mirela, including rice pudding and apple pie. One of the things the Deli does superbly is salads. Next to the Boars Head case is a case of salsas, hummus, salads, dressings, mostly 
made from the store’s locally sourced farm-fresh produce at the peak of their ripeness and available by the pound. Fresh house-made beet salad, tabouli, potato salad, homemade Spanikopita Tzatziki, Dolmades, stuffed peppers and the best Quinoa salad you’ve ever tried, to mention just a few. While you are waiting for your order, try a sample of anything you’d like from the salad case. Odi said he’s happy to give samples of any of his salads to anyone that asks.
“It’s my gift to the residents of the barrier islands” he said. “If you like them, it’s a gift you’ll appreciate all year.” The store is more Deli than produce these days, but the market fresh produce is the basis of their success. It’s in all the salads, sandwiches and the delicious and affordable party platters. Pablo makes the best salsa and salads fresh every day or two. They use only the finest fresh ingredients. ”I would never buy lemon juice when I can juice a fresh lemon.” says Odi. They are happy to handle caterings as well. “We have clients as far away as a mainland St Petersburg Hospital that brings us in monthly to serve 80+ staff members. Stop in when you are hungry and order a sandwich, wrap or salad from their great menu. If you are throwing a party from tailgate to wedding reception, include platters from St. Pete Beach Produce and Deli. The vegetarians will love you. Anyone watching their diets will also love you. Steve Pletcher eats here or takes out daily. “I used to be addicted to the Italian sandwich. Now I love a soup and Quinoa salad.”
You can also order in advance by finding the menu online at www.SPBProduceandDeli.com and calling 727-564-0101. Gift certificates are also available.