Russ & Daughters, a New York institution, alleged that Nick Liberato stole their restaurant design for his soon-to-come Borscht Belt deli.

Sam’s Mediterranean Deli & Café in Rohnert Park has earned a cult following, with traditional Middle Eastern fare like hummus, falafel and baklava in addition to unique fusion options.

The deli offers takeout sandwiches, prime cuts of beef, lamb, pork and a customer favorite, salami. Payne also hinted that a new restaurant attached to the general store is in the early design phase.

Erika Mejia-Dila is operating a dual restaurant concept that honors a former 28-year-old deli and her own California-inspired cuisine in Greenville.

Two weeks ago, Bill Hamrock — the old sandwich stop’s namesake and former co-owner — opened Billy’s Deli/Cafe at 3907 Lee Highway, the same spot where he opened Billy’s Cheesesteaks in 2011.

Me? I’m all smiles. Chicken soup that tastes as if someone’s bubbe made it and a $24 bottle of Pouilly-Fuissé, grabbed from the deli’s cooler en route to the dining room in the rear, are a ...