It’s been in the works for over a year, but Fabiola’s Spaghetti House and Deli is on the verge of opening. You may have seen the doors open, and owner Sam Brown is quietly starting up the sandwich shop/deli side of the business. The deli side will be officially open sometime next week, but Brown doesn’t want to commit to a firm date. But if you are in the neighborhood and the door is open at 1301 Regent St., chances are you may be able to order a sandwich.

Brown, who also owns and operates Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe next door, has been working on the Fabiola’s concept since January 2022. The renovations for the restaurant, in the former Rocky Rococo space on Regent, have included installing the Art Deco bar and backbar, from the early 1930s, from the Sportsman’s Bar on Monona Drive, which was slated for demolition. The team also salvaged much of the woodwork for use in the new Fabiola’s.