Small but Mighty Salumi’s Relocation Brings Big Possibilities

After nearly 20 years in its current nook, Salumi, the tiny but nationally respected salumeria and sandwich shop in Pioneer Square, will gain a major space upgrade next month when it moves to the former home of Rain Shadow Meats Squared nearby.

Finally, the company — and its legions of fans, who line up around the block for the company’s lunch-only service, mole salami, and sandwiches like porchetta or meatball — will have more breathing room and a host of other possibilities, from culinary education events and expanded hours to a private dining area.

The new shop, at 404 Occidental Ave., will also have a communal table and a small retail shop for products from Salumi and other local producers. Rain Shadow Meats owner Russ Flint, who maintains his butcher shop on Capitol Hill, said he’s happy Salumi is taking over his old Pioneer Square home. In Flint’s honor, Salumi’s menu will even feature a Rain Shadow Meats collaboration sandwich for the first few months.

All these changes are coming as part of efforts by new co-owners Martinique Grigg and Clara Veniard, founders of Seattle’s Grant Peak Capital private equity fund, who bought a majority stake in Salumi last October. Co-owner Gina Batali retains a minority stake.

Grigg and Veniard have been on the hunt for a new, larger production facility since they bought the business. That would bring the possibility of nationwide sales, and the pair have hinted at the addition of new charcuterie flavors, too. However, they say the Seattle real estate market is proving challenging, and their search continues.

Salumi [Official photo]

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