Fast food chain, New York Deli, has opened its third outlet in Christchurch at the new BNZ Centre.

Mike Parkinson, New York Deli director, said the store features the theme, decor and imagery of the New York skyline with music playlist the includes Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to give diners the feeling of being in New York.

New York Deli’s store design has won the ADNZ Resene Colour in Design award for 2016 Canterbury/Westland.

Despite taking its name from the Big Apple, New York Deli’s true home is Christchurch. Having first opened in the area in 2003, the company’s growth was stalled by the 2011 earthquakes.

“I decided to open a store after trying a sandwich at a New York Deli,” says William Zou, owner of New York Deli, BNZ Centre. “I’m excited to start serving people. I think it’s going to be great for the CBD, you can’t find sandwiches like ours.”

New York Deli’s sandwiches have a distinct American influence, with customers able to choose options like the NYD Cheesesteak or Harlem Flank among many others.

With more locations planned, Parkinson said he hopes to see New York Deli flourish in regenerating Christchurch and beyond.

“We’re looking at all the major centres,” he said. “We think it’s something Kiwis are really going to love. We want to feed people well, and give them a taste of something that’s a bit different to anything else out there. Both in terms of the food and the atmosphere we provide.”

New York Deli has three locations across Christchurch with plans underway to open its next deli in Queenstown.