Interview with Britt and Terrence of B&T's Deli
The cutest, most delicious deli just opened up on Montana. It’s 100% plant-based but I promise you, you’re not going to miss meat! Everything is filling, nutritious and not to mention organic and locally sourced when possible! They’ve got a kid’s menu, gluten free options and the owners are so friendly! We looove having them in the neighborhood! Check out our interview with Britt and Terrence below and definitely head to B&T’s soon! You can’t go wrong with The Old Sport but really everything on the menu is *chef’s kiss!
—Tara
B&T's Deli
912 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
@bandtsdeli on instagram and tiktok
bandtsdeli.com
What inspired you to create B&T's?
B was making “The Old Sport” every day for lunch when T’s product marketing prowess kicked in and said, “hey, there’s a market for this.” We made some significant lifestyle changes in 2021 after a life-changing travel experience, including quitting our tech jobs and eating more plant-based. We were making sub sandwiches everyday because we missed Bay Cities. We realized there wasn’t a deli for plant-based eaters, and that there’s a need for homestyle, organic, produce-driven cooking amongst the plethora of fake meat and cheese options flooding the market.
“It’s very warm, approachable, and full of nostalgia, yet also super unique. We wanted people to be transported into a deli that feels familiar, but be pleasantly surprised and excited by a unique menu.”
Can you tell us about your roles and what aspect of your job really sparks joy for you both?
Britt really leans into more of the creative aspects of the business, including menu design and leading BOH operations, while Terrence keeps everything running and manages the FOH and financial side. There’s significant collaboration on the marketing front as both our backgrounds are in product, and building a brand from ground zero has been incredibly fun.
What are your go-to sources for inspiration?
The biggest inspiration for the experience is really the classic, old-school delis of yore. Food-wise, we honor our past with a lot of family recipes and classic, rustic cooking while looking towards the future with an organic, produce-driven menu.
How would you describe your personal style and shop aesthetic?
I’ve heard a lot of people call it “whimsical,” which wasn’t exactly what we were going for, but I love that now. It’s very warm, approachable, and full of nostalgia, yet also super unique. We wanted people to be transported into a deli that feels familiar, but be pleasantly surprised and excited by a unique menu.
Which room in your home do you love the most, and can you share why?
The kitchen is really the heart of our family and our home operations. We have big French windows with views of palm trees and our pup likes to sun bathe on the balcony while we cook.
What's your favorite aspect of living or working on the westside?
Access to the beach, the mountains, and the city all within minutes. It’s the best of all worlds.
Favorite westside restaurant right now?
Layla’s bagels for brunch/lunch and Jon and Vinny’s for dinner.
Favorite westside activity?
Hiking Will Rogers with our pup, Wanda, and then going out for lunch and shopping at the Palisades village.
“the kitchen is really the heart of our family and our home operations. We have big French windows with views of palm trees and our pup likes to sun bathe on the balcony while we cook.”
What's one item on the menu could you eat over and over again?
That’s so hard because the menu is made up of all our favorite food, but The Old Sport is just the classic sandwich we eat almost every day. And it’s our top seller!
