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How to Name a Deli
Step-by-step guide to coming up with a catchy, fun, and delectable name for your deli.
Start a list.
Jot down any ideas you already have.
You may already have some ideas for a deli name. If so, go ahead and write them down.
Use words and phrases that help define your brand.
Highlight or star your favorites as you go.
This will make it easy to narrow down the list later, while letting you write down all ideas that may inspire you later on.
The words you add to the list don’t have to be fully-formed deli names. They can be words or concepts related to the deli business that help you get to the final name.
Perform essential research.
Review your business plan.
If you’ve got a business plan for your deli, the research there should give you ideas for words, phrases, and concepts that fit your brand.
Pay special attention to your business's mission statement, core values, and marketing strategies.
Talk to likely customers.
This is something you’ll want to do, no matter what, to learn more about the people you’ll be catering to. While you’re meeting with them, be sure to jot down words, phrases, and concepts that they associate with delis.
Research your competitors.
Prepare a list of your biggest competitors' names and slogans. By researching your competitors' strategies and branding, you'll be able to pick a unique and fresh business name that stands out in the market.
Conduct a few Google searches to make sure your name ideas don't clash or sound similar to your competitors'.
Review words specific to your deli business.
Think about your menu.
Which specialty meals will you prepare? What type of ingredients will you use? Consider the type of meals your deli will be offering. The most well-known meals you serve can also help you with naming.
For example, if your business specializes in vegan sandwiches, you will want to attract a specific target market. Therefore, it's best to add words that relate to your business's menu.
Comb through your market research.
Read through your market research and identify keywords that customers associated with your deli business. Add the most memorable and frequently used keywords to your list.
Think about your brand.
Your brand is what your business stands for, therefore, you want to ensure that the words you use to articulate your brand are reflected in your business's name.
Think about the type of deli you want to operate and the ambiance you hope to create.
Brainstorm region-specific vocabulary.
Try city and state names and nicknames.
City and state names and nicknames can sometimes work well for a local deli business. For example, "Ohio Deli," "The Magnolia Deli," or "Deli California."
Consider your street name if you’ve got a location.
A street name can help people find your deli, make naming easy, and connect it to a neighborhood or sense of place. For example, "4th St. Deli" or "The Deli on Maple."
You'll want to be sure you'll be at this location for a long time. You don't want to call yourself "2nd St. Deli" if you have to move to 3rd St. a few years later.
Look at local landmarks.
Local landmarks can be another great way to tie your deli to its location. For example, "The Yellowstone Deli" or "Central Park Deli."
Create more name ideas from your list.
Combine words from the list.
Try combining various words from your list to see if they form any interesting names.
Use a name generator.
We recommend using NameSnack — a free, intuitive name generator that combines your ideas and makes associations that you wouldn't have thought of.
NameSnack's AI will prompt you to add different words. You can try adding them all, or go with smaller groups.
Write down any deli names you like.
NameSnack will also tell you if the domains are available. Check the ones that have domains off on your list.
Review and reflect.
Read through your list again.
See if there are any others that stand out, and mark them.
Set the list aside for a day or two.
Come back with fresh eyes and see which names stand out. Also, see which names you still remember. This may give you a clue as to which ones are most memorable.
Get feedback on your top deli names.
See what potential customers think of the names.
Find people that would be in your target audience, for example, by going to a location your considering at a busy time of day to survey people.
Use your social media channels to host a public poll. Include your potential names in the poll and ask your customers/followers to choose their favorite name. This will help you determine which name ideas attract the most attention.
Test the names on friends and colleagues.
Read your names to friends and colleagues, and get their take on your deli names. Come back a day or two later and see which ones they still remember.
Check availability.
See if the web domain name is available.
Use a site like Namecheap to see which of your top business name ideas have related URLs available.
See if the name is already in use in your state.
If the business name is already in use for a similar business in your state, it's likely you won't be able to use it.
Check the names on Google.
Google your favorite deli names to see if there are any other well-known delis with the same name, or if there are some associations you hadn’t thought of.
Perform a trademark search.
You can run a trademark search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website.
Get the name.
Buy the domain name.
You can do this through sites like Namecheap.
Register the business name with the state.
You'll need to register the name in your state once you've chosen it. In most states, this is fast and easy, and can be done online.
Consider trademarking the name.
This offers additional protection from other businesses using your deli name.
Learn more about trademarking your business name.
It's important to note that the absence of a trademark in the USPTO database does not mean the name you're interested in is available. If your name is registered with the state but not trademarked with the USPTO, you won't be allowed to trademark the name.
