Mangia! Mangia!
Little Italy in Southern Illinois
An iconic Italian market, deli & butcher shop — and the story of the sandwich that made a corner store famous.
Our History
Where it beganLouie's P&R opens its doors on the corner of East Walnut Street — a neighborhood Italian market for the families of Herrin. Early owners Tony & Isa Gianfoni built its name one sandwich at a time.
A lunchtime legendSlow-roasted, thin-sliced, dripping with seasoned au jus — the Italian beef becomes the sandwich Southern Illinois measures every other sandwich against.
The recipe travelsThe family blend gets packed and sold as Louie's Italian Beef Seasoning — soon on grocery shelves basically everywhere in the region.
Still a family storeUnder owners Julie & Aaron Christ, the deli case is still full and the recipes are still the family's — and the 1957 badge now rides on a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry.
1957 is the year on the badge; the chapters in between are placeholders until the Christ family fills in the real milestones — including when the Gianfoni years gave way to theirs.
One Sandwich made Herrin Famous
Meats & Cheeses
Handmade Salameats
Made the way the family has always made them — cured, netted, and hung right here.
✦ ✦ ✦Hot Salami
The spicy standby every regular asks for by name. Sliced thin or taken whole.
✦ ✦ ✦
Imported Cheeses
Provolone, pecorino, parmigiano and friends — cut to order at the full-service counter.
✦ ✦ ✦Fresh Pasta & Ravioli
Pasta, ravioli and house sauces, plus the giardiniera that belongs on every Italian beef.
✦ ✦ ✦Ask at the Counter
The staff still greets you by name — tell them what you're cooking and they'll build the rest.
Plan a VisitSwipe to browse the case
Italian Beef Seasoning
Stocked in grocery stores basically everywhere around here — and if you're not from around here, Amazon ships it to your door.
The Original Blend
3 oz · Pack of EightThe stock-up size — enough packets for a season of Sunday dinners.
$16.25 Buy on AmazonThe Original Blend
3 oz · Pack of SixThe go-to gift for anyone who's moved away from Herrin and misses home.
See Listing Buy on AmazonAu Jus Seasoning
3 oz · Twelve PacketsA full case of rich, savory au jus for beef sandwiches, roasts, and French dips.
See Listing Buy on AmazonItalian Beef, the Louie's Way
- Start with a good roast. A 3–4 lb chuck or rump roast, into the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Add the packet. One 3 oz packet of Louie's over the roast, with water per the directions.
- Low and slow. Until the beef shreds effortlessly and the au jus is rich and fragrant.
- Pile it high. Crusty Italian rolls, a ladle of jus, and hot giardiniera on top.
Louie's BBQ Supply Co.
The family's pitmaster side isn't a hobby. The Louie's BBQ crew cooks against some of the best teams in the country at Praise the Lard in Murphysboro, and brought home 3rd place in Pork Shoulder for the glass-apple collection.
They've also punched a golden ticket to the SCA BBQ World Championship. The same rubs, seasonings and sauces they compete with line the shelves at the store.
Part of the Neighborhood
A corner store is only as good as its corner. Louie's backs the Herrin Community Pantry, throws live-music nights on Walnut Street, and builds gift baskets for half the fundraisers in town.
We're the ones at the ballgames, sponsoring the teams, donating to the fundraisers, raising our families right here. Choose the businesses that choose you.
Spotted!
Louie's shirts get around. Friends send in photos wearing theirs — and every one gets a pin, flown straight from the corner of East Walnut. Tap a pin or a postcard.
Snap a photo in your Louie's shirt and send it in. Tag #louiespandr on Facebook, or drop it here.
Come Say Hello
Find Us
Store Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Join the Family
Louie's has always run on people who take pride in good food and friendly service. Sound like you? Apply online below — we review every application.
Cashier / Deli Counter
Now Hiring · Part-Time · Tue–Sat
10:00–5:30, hours vary. Bounce between the register and the deli counter in a fun atmosphere. This one's real — posted Sep 2026.
Meat Cutter / Butcher's Apprentice
Sample Listing
Learn the trade behind our salameats and full-service meat counter.
Kitchen & Prep
Sample Listing
Morning prep for the deli and hot lunch — sauces, roasts, and baking.
BBQ Team & Events
Sample Listing
Contest weekends, tailgates, and catering runs with the Louie's BBQ crew.
Application Received!
Thanks, friend — we've got your application for the team.
Someone from Louie's will reach out within a few days. In the meantime, stop by and say hello — the cannoli case is always full.