Dom Wilton’s perennially popular Hector’s Deli is one of the best-known sandwich shops around, and played a big part in developing Melbourne’s sandwich scene. It has three stores, one of which is at 253 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, where it’s not uncommon to see long lines for tuna melts, fresh chicken sandwiches and fried mushroom sangas with the brand’s signature “hectic sauce”.

In January this year, Joseph Rahme opened the first location of his sandwich shop Juju’s Deli on High Street, Thornbury. For the past few months, Rahme has been readying the second Juju’s – just two doors down from Hector’s Deli at 249 Coventry Street South Melbourne.

Rahme has gutted what was previously a pet supplies store and says the final fit-out will have a clean finish and use lots of concrete, glass and stainless steel. The “very simple setup” will include seats for 14 inside and outside on the footpath. A small pantry section inside will sell chilli paste, olive oils and other Italian staples.

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While Juju’s is relatively new to Melbourne’s hospitality scene, Rahme is not. With 10 years working in hospitality under his belt, he tells Broadsheet opening a second Juju’s was a no-brainer.

“I feel like we’ve got something pretty special. People are seeming to like what we’re doing and there’s quite a long wait in Thornbury,” he says. And he’s not concerned about the proximity to Hector’s. “I don't think it should be a problem, they're American [toasted] and we're just fresh sandwiches like cold meats and so on.”

Juju’s makes Italian-style sandwiches with fluffy focaccia and unfussy fillings with a Japanese influence. “We like to keep things clean and simple,” Rahme says. The chicken schnitzel sandwich is a popular option, with spicy mayo, a yuzu slaw and That’s Amore cheese.

As a Melbourne native with two chef parents, Rahme says Japanese cuisine has been a constant in his life, inspiring the sandwich fillings and the shop’s matcha lattes.

When the South Melbourne location opens this spring, there'll be a steak sandwich added to the menu, which will only be available at the new store. On opening day, customers will receive a golden ticket with each sandwich they buy and, much like a visit to Willy Wonka’s factory, the lucky winner will score a special trip for two to Italy.

Juju’s Deli will open at 249 Coventry Street, South Melbourne this spring.