Episode 15

Adam Mesnick (Deli Board): He Quit Banking to Build One of the Best Sandwich Shops in America (S12/Ep.15)

Published on: 7th January, 2026

Adam Mesnick is the “Chairman of the Board” and founder behind Deli Board in San Francisco - a place that’s built a cult following with chefs, tech execs, and loyal regulars alike. With a career that started in mortgage banking, Adam made the leap to professional cooking in his mid-30s, fueled by a lifelong passion for food and a deep respect for hospitality. In this episode, he shares how Deli Board became a benchmark for sandwich craftsmanship, why he limits bulk orders, and how every detail - down to the way each sandwich is wrapped - reflects his relentless dedication to quality and consistency. Adam also opens up about the impact he strives to make daily in his community - whether it’s being vocal about the neighborhood he’s built his business in by calling for change, helping clean up the streets he walks every day, feeding someone in need, or contributing to the SOMA West Community Benefit District. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Adam Mesnick.

This episode is brought to you by Siete Foods.

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About the Podcast

Beyond the Plate
Culinary Legends, Giving Back
Join Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan as he sits down in-person with the world’s culinary elite to explore their journey into the food industry and the social impact they have made in their community. Every episode will share inspiring stories of what it means to be in today’s hospitality industry.

About your host

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Andrew Kaplan