District Deli
District Deli is an original product of Hintonburg. Everything started on Carruthers Avenue, and each sandwich we make is infused with the soul of this community.
It’s for this reason that all of our sandwiches are named after the nearby streets. We want to root our food in a time and place that means something to the people who support us. That’s why we involve ourselves in the community by sponsoring local events and charitable causes: we’re invested in Hintonburg’s success and want to repay what it’s made possible.
What’s District Deli about?
District Deli is about quality, freshness, and originality. We strive to provide hospitality and great food in an environment where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. And we’re committed to getting better and trying new things every week. There’s a sandwich here for everyone.
How did it start?
District Deli was founded by two friends tired of the nine-to-five. In March 2024 we started planning, in December we got the keys to 220 Carruthers, and in February 2025 we opened our business. It’s been an amazing ride, one made possible by all of you.
What does the future hold?
We want to expand our food, our services and our hours. But regardless of what happens next, the heart of our business will always remain in Hintonburg.
- Leiland and James
Photography by Nicolai Gregory. Written by Eliott McCormick.
Leiland McCormick
While he grew up in Kanata, Leiland McCormick was born at the old Grace Hospital on Wellington and boasts original ties to Hintonburg. His first jobs were in restaurants and hospitality, where Leiland learned to thrive working on his feet in a fast environment. A friendly face behind the deli counter, after a career in the public service – always with ambitions to one day open his own deli and provide a product and level of service that he could be proud of – a dream turned reality in the creation of District Deli.
James Sell
James Sell was born in Ottawa and grew up in the Winchester area. For James, Hintonburg’s community feel reminds him of a small town, which is why he’s so proud to serve this neighbourhood from the Deli’s Carruthers home. With over eight years working in bars and restaurants, James has done it all, from dishwashing to serving, bartending and working on the management side. Like Leiland, James had a previous career, and the networking and business development experience he obtained in ecommerce was invaluable in launching the pair’s shared vision for District Deli.