Cheese ‘n Stuff, located at 5042 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix, is set to reopen under new ownership after closing earlier this year.
The sandwich shop originally opened in 1949 and was most recently operated by Stan Zawatski and his daughter, Crystal. Known for its stacked sandwiches, scratch-made brownies, and vintage decor, the deli has long been a favorite among generations of locals. It officially closed its doors on June 1, 2025, following the Zawatskis’ announcement of closure in April. The fate of the beloved cheese shop was unknown until recently.
A group of five longtime customers and neighborhood alumni, Tom and Julie Palmer, Mike Tiffany Jr., John Ashton, and Chris Burbach, purchased the deli and plan to reopen it by mid-August 2025, according to Phoenix New Times. All five attended nearby Brophy College Prep or Xavier College Prep and have strong connections to the area. The sale was finalized on May 31, with the new owners aiming to preserve the original menu, signage, and nostalgic charm while modernizing behind-the-scenes systems and improving online ordering.
Stan Zawatski has provided the new team with his original recipes and detailed instructions to maintain the deli’s consistency and legacy. Julie Palmer is leading operations and has applied for landmark status through the mayor’s office. The owners say they’re committed to keeping the spirit of Cheese ‘n Stuff alive while making minor updates to serve the next generation of customers better.
