Article by Ben Shlesinger
Filippo’s, which operated as Marchone’s until 2014, opened in 1955. Last November, we reported the deli was sold by Filippo Leo to new owner Shelly Scanzaroli, but Filippo fans need not fear… Shelly has recently unveiled a life-sized cutout of Filippo.
Previous owner Filippo Leo worked at the deli for over 35 years and took over ownership back in 2012- a year after founder Thomas Marchone passed away. Filippo was a mainstay at the eponymous Filippo’s Italian Specialties in Wheaton for almost half a century. He still pops in from time to time, but is no longer there every Saturday morning- handing out free cookies to little ballerinas who just finished their class at Wheaton Studio of Dance.
You can still get the same great sandwiches that led this venerable institution to be voted “Best Deli” in the TasteMoCo tournament decided by your votes back in 2020… and the Filippo cutout will be there to greet you with his customary smile and open arms.