Cheese n’ Stuff, a beloved deli and sandwich shop known for serving generations of UC Berkeley students, remains a fixture in Berkeley at 2442 Durant Avenue as it transitions to new ownership.
The restaurant’s founder, 79-year-old Sam Juha, retired in September 2025 after 39 years of operating the Durant Avenue staple, according to the Daily Californian. His nephew, Chuck Juha, took over ownership this month and plans to keep the shop largely unchanged, aside from new flooring and a social media refresh. While no menu updates are planned, Chuck says his focus will be on maintaining the quality, affordability, and warmth that have defined Cheese n’ Stuff since its opening in 1986.
Originally opened in the space of a former wine-and-cheese shop, Cheese n’ Stuff quickly became a popular stop for students seeking hearty sandwiches at student-friendly prices. Known for its friendly service and community ties, the deli has built a loyal following spanning decades. Sam Juha, born in Bethlehem and who moved to the U.S. at age 22, ran the shop with a personal touch that made it a Berkeley institution. Now living in Hercules, he plans to visit the deli occasionally in retirement.
Cheese n’ Stuff has long been a cultural touchstone for the UC Berkeley community. Signed portraits of Cal football stars Marshawn Lynch, Aaron Rodgers, and Jared Goff hang on the walls, a nod to the deli’s connection with generations of students and athletes. Fraternities and campus regulars continue to make up a large part of its daily clientele, keeping the shop’s connection to campus life strong.
The menu reflects the shop’s straightforward and affordable appeal, with sandwiches priced between $9 and $11 as of 2025. Favorites include the Poorboy Sandwich loaded with ham, salami, and mortadella, the vegetarian Aram Sandwich with cream cheese, tomato, and cucumber, and the Falafel Sandwich with tahini sauce. Customers also return for salads like Green Pasta, Pesto Pasta, and the signature Crab Salad Sandwich.
For nearly four decades, Cheese n’ Stuff has remained one of Berkeley’s most consistent local businesses, offering a sense of nostalgia and familiarity amid an ever-changing dining scene. Under Chuck Juha’s stewardship, the deli is expected to continue serving its signature lineup of sandwiches and salads to a new generation of Cal students while honoring his uncle’s legacy.
