Gold Coast fave Janus Deli opens its first Brisbane outpost in West End

Growth is a tricky thing in hospitality. Success is never guaranteed and creating a concept that resonates can feel like a shot in the dark – more art than science. So when something does take off, the temptation to grow it is almost irresistible.

But scaling up is rarely simple.

Just ask the team behind Gold Coast-born Janus Deli, which has been steadily expanding since launching in 2023. What began as a sandwich concept helmed by co-founders Dean and Ryan has quickly evolved into a brand with serious momentum.

“It’s exciting,” says Dean. “But sometimes, as an owner, I get a little scared. How big is it going to grow? How much can I handle? I need a good team behind me.”

This week marks a major milestone – Janus Deli is opening its first Brisbane location in West End. It’s the brand’s second franchise site and the first of what the team hopes will be several River City outposts, a move made possible thanks to a production kitchen that launched in Slacks Creek back in October.

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For Dean and Ryan, securing the right location for its Brisbane debut was key. The new Janus Deli occupies a prominent corner position on Boundary Street, across the road from La Favolosa and Hai Hai Ramen. Dean says West End had long been on his radar, drawn to its layered personality and reputation as one of Brisbane’s most exciting food hubs.

“The first time I visited this area was maybe about 15 years ago,” recalls Dean. “It was different. I can feel there’s a change – something is going on here.”

A swift refit of the former Impressive Dumplings site has transformed the space into a warm, timber-accented cafe with an easy street presence. Bifold doors open wide to Boundary Street, offering passers-by a glimpse of the elongated coffee counter and neatly stocked sweet display.

Culinarily, Janus Deli West End sticks to the formula that’s built its following – a playful fusion of Korean and American flavours, bolstered by house-made baked goods and specialty beverages.

The offering is anchored by a range of sandwiches, both toasted and fresh. Highlights include the Truffy Mushy (truffle mushroom, provolone, mozzarella and mayo on sourdough), the Tuuuuna (mayo tuna, lettuce, mustard and dukkah on Turkish bread) and The Seoul Sub (Korean galbi meatballs, galbi sauce, poached egg, jalapeno, mayo and mozzarella on a soft baguette).

These handheld morsels are followed by five kinds of Korean-style fried chicken, four types of dirty fries, drool-worthy doughnuts, crullers and cinnamon scrolls. There are even a couple of breakfast items, if you happen to be passing by early. Coffee is supplied by Paradox, but specialty beverages like the Mont Blanc, tiramisu latte, strawberry matcha, hibiscus lemonade and banoffee milkshake are tempting alternatives.

As a franchise location, the offering will remain consistent, though Dean hints that seasonal additions may appear. Where each store will diverge, however, is in its aesthetic.

“Our core menus will be the same, but the main thing I want to achieve is that each store has a different vibe,” says Dean. “This is not a new shop – it was an existing shop. We wanted to keep some parts as it is, so local customers still feel some familiarity with this place.”

Brisbane’s sandwich scene is competitive, but Dean believes Janus Deli brings something distinct – not just in flavour, but in feel.

“There are more options in Brisbane, compared to the Gold Coast,” admits Dean. “I can tell people are a little bit more serious up here, but we just want to bring that relaxed, kind, fun Gold Coast feel.”

Janus Deli West End is celebrating its grand opening from 7:00 am on Saturday February 28 with a cheeky giveaway – the first 100 in-store orders on the day will score a free doughnut. Head to The Directory for more information.