The brand of Joe’s Deli is on the rise.

Housed in the old Mastman’s at the corner of Hertel Avenue and Colvin Boulevard, Joe’s Deli has thrived since opening in 2006. North Buffalo staples like “Jimmy’s Cuban,” “the Hangover,” “the Body” and the “Muffaletta” are usually complemented by a long list of rotating specials, ranging from fried chicken and biscuits, a carnitas trios (three pork tacos) and crab cakes.

Armed with a near flawless rating on Yelp, Joe’s Deli is now broadening its reach. Owner Joseph Lyons announced Jan. 8 that he’s opened Buffalo Catering Company, 325 Tacoma Ave., Buffalo, a catering opportunity separate from Joe’s Deli’s current offering.

“We’ve always been capable of doing larger catering,” Lyons said in a phone call late last week. “But Joe’s Deli narrowed the market because of its menu, and we ran out of space at the current location.”

Lyons purchased and furnished the four-unit building, and his staff—which includes former Ristorante Lombardo head chef Chris Salvati—has already undertaken a few test projects. The Buffalo Catering Company satisfied the cast of werewolf-based film “Ward’s Island,” which features Ariana Richards (also in Jurassic Park; she’s pictured below), Craig Sheffer and Dennis Haysbert, when the 50+ visitors shot a few scenes in Buffalo over a span of 23 days in October to save money from setting up in New York City.

The Joe’s Deli owner anticipates a staff of 20 to 30 people—eventually, at least—with five or six cooks and a number of servers and bartenders.

The Buffalo Catering Company plans to be versatile in its cuisine; it will specialize in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine but will not be limited to that, as hors d’oeuvres, breakfasts, buffets and popular Queen City options like roast beef and baked ziti are all available as well.

Lyons stressed that the catering costs would be affordable both for businesses and individuals, and he said that Joe’s Deli would continue its catering as well. 

In passing, Lyons noted that a second Joe’s Deli location was in the works, as he plans to finalize a deal in the city of Buffalo very shortly. He declined when asked specifically where he was looking.

The Buffalo Catering Company is open for business and can be reached at (716) 873-4000.