Local deli owner giving back to Fresno State Athletics

Justin Dervishian graduated with a communication degree from Fresno State in 2005, and he still has the same Bulldog Pride he did when he was a college student.

“I was born and raised in Fresno, lived here my whole life. I started at Fresno State in 2000, graduated in 2005 with a communications degree. I love Fresno State, born a Bulldog, and still here,” Dervishian said.

Dervishian’s love for Fresno State led him to where he is today, the owner of Dervo’s Deli, located right by Fresno State.

“This spot was a pizza place when I was in school that my friends and I went to a lot, and it became available,” said Dervishian, “And I said hey, I got some memories there you know, I’ll do my own thing now. So I started a sandwich shop and been doing that since.”

The special thing about Dervishian’s sandwich shop is that a lot of the profits go toward Fresno State student athletes.

“I do stuff with Fresno State Football, basketball, men’s and women’s, softball, the occasional other teams, soccer occasionally, water polo, stuff like that,” Dervishian said.

Dervishian feeds many of the student athletes before games and gives them some merchandise from his business.

Xavier DuSell, Fresno State Men’s Basketball player, says the support Dervishian gives to student athletes does not go unnoticed.

“Being able to go to a place that has delicious food and just the fact they give so much to us, we all really appreciate everything they do,” DuSell said.

Dervishian also has a special deal for all Fresno State students and faculty who come in for a meal at his shop.

“Students and faculty, staff, anybody with their Fresno State ID, you come in you order a sandwich, salad, burger, whatever, show your ID, you get a free soda,” Dervishian said.

Dervo’s Deli may look to expand in the future, but right now, Dervishian is happy to be so close to his alma mater.