Sopranos-style Baloney’s deli opens in Byron

A LOVE of award-winning US mob drama The Sopranos inspired George McFarlane to open a New York-style Italian sandwich deli in Byron Bay.

The 30-year-old chef, who previously worked at Italian restaurant Pixie, said the shop is loosely based on Satriale’s Pork Store, where many scenes in the show were set.

“When people walk into Baloney’s, I want the place to evoke Sopranos,” he said. “I’m also a big Anthony Bourdain fan and I have a tribute photo of him at my standing espresso bar.”

McFarlane hails from another popular surf town, Torquay in Victoria, and was drawn to Byron Bay by its beautiful beaches and thriving food scene.

He and his South American partner, who made the move north in 2024, by the town’s multiculturalism.

McFarlane has mostly worked in Italian restaurants and loves the nostalgia of sandwiches and sandwich shops.

“They can take on such personality and can be such a staple within a community, which is exactly what I’m looking to do with Baloney’s,” he said.

Located at the old Byron Bay Hospital site, which is now a community hub known as Byron Colab on Arkwal Country, Baloney’s offers classics such as pastrami on rye, cold cuts on focaccia and cannoli.

McFarlane worked with Sam Mathews from Happy Hour, who had designed some of his favourite venues in the region, on the fitout.

The shop features black and white checkered flooring and an open fridge loaded with meat and cheese, with the aforementioned standing espresso bar offering $2 shots.

It is open from 8am to 2.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday.