There’s been a big change on Hudson Street in the West End of Providence. About four months ago, a flyer appeared in the window of the neighborhood’s beloved deli announcing a temporary closure due to a serious health issue faced by then-owner Bryan Rinebolt. Bryan was diagnosed with a brain tumor — fortunately, it was operable, and we’re happy to report he’s doing just fine.
After owning and operating the deli for about a decade, Bryan decided it was time to pass the sandwich torch to someone new: Sabdin Santos.
The Hudson Street Deli quietly reopened on July 9, and it’s been buzzing with activity ever since. A steady stream of both longtime regulars and curious new customers have been stopping by, excited to see the lights back on, the ceiling fans whirling, and the kitchen in full swing. “There is nothing like the smell of bacon on the grill,” says this particular neighbor. “You know how I feel about bacon, right?” One loyal fan, who used to live just around the corner, said she nearly hit the brakes in joy when she spotted the “We Are Open” flags waving out front. On the day of my visit, a family of eight from North Carolina — tourists visiting the area — heard about the deli and made a point to stop by for breakfast sandwiches. That’s the kind of place Hudson Street Deli is: the kind that sparks excitement and word of mouth far beyond its zip code.
Sabdin comes from a large, entrepreneurial Guatemalan family Sabdin comes from a large, entrepreneurial Guatemalan family and is the first generation of his family to grow up here in Rhode Island. Owning his own business has long been a personal dream. His career in the food industry spans two decades, including time at major restaurant chains like The Cheesecake Factory in downtown Providence. That experience helped him grow both professionally and personally — but deep down, he knew he wanted something more.
“I wanted to be my own boss,” he said. “To make my own decisions and serve people in a way that feels personal.”
His corporate background taught him a lot: how to lead, how to handle high volume, and most importantly, how to be flexible and keep calm when things don’t go exactly as planned. These lessons are now paying off as he takes the reins at a beloved local eatery. And today, the only people he reports to are the folks walking through the door.
Throughout his career, Sabdin was quietly learning from those around him — mentors who likely had no idea the impact they were making. Bryan Rinebolt is one of those people. He’s played a big role in the smooth transition of ownership, continuing to support Sabdin behind the scenes and cheering him on every step of the way.
Sabdin is honoring the deli’s long-standing legacy by keeping the original menu intact. Yes, the beloved breakfast and lunch sandwiches are still very much available. But don’t be surprised if you see some new specials sprinkled in. On my visit, I devoured a steak bomb sandwich dripping with gooey cheese and grilled to perfection. Paired with a bag of chips and a glass of lemonade, it was the kind of meal that makes you sit back and not want to hurry out the door.
The Hudson Street Deli is more than a sandwich shop — it’s a neighborhood hub. Sabdin wants the community to feel welcome and involved. Got a flyer for your upcoming event? Come tape it to the window. Are you a local artist looking to share your work? He’s planning to display artwork from local creatives on the walls. Looking ahead, he also plans to introduce beer and wine to the menu and is hoping to add espresso service soon. And for a delicious taste of home, he’s working on creating a Guatemalan sandwich that reflects his heritage.
Sabdin isn’t doing it all alone; his kids are in it with him. During my visit, I met his daughter, Isabella, and his son, Jayden, who both help at the front counter and in the kitchen. It’s clear that this is more than just a job — it’s a family business in the truest sense. Sabdin beams with pride when talking about working side-by-side with his kids, and the positive energy is clear among the whole team behind the counter. He is now a mentor to these budding chefs working the grill.
Inside, there are a handful of tables for those who want to dine-in, but takeout remains the most popular choice. The website makes online ordering quick and easy for folks on the go. Currently, the deli is open seven days a week from 6:30am to 4pm, with slightly shorter hours on the weekend. Sabdin hopes to expand the hours in the near future.
So whether you’re a returning regular, a curious newcomer, or someone just driving through the neighborhood, stop in and say hello. Grab a sandwich, leave a flyer, admire the art, or just enjoy the good vibes and yummy food. Be sure to say, “Hello!” to Sabdin. The Hudson Street Deli is back, and with Sabdin Santos at the helm, we are all so happy on Hudson.