The term ‘deli’ is an abbreviation of the word delicatessen, meaning ‘fine foods’ or delicacies. Though they may not all sell delicacies, many supermarkets and grocery stores do have a dedicated deli counter where you can find all manner of ready-to-eat, chilled food items. They are much like a mini-market within the main store where their purpose is to provide the customer with the ‘personal’ touch traditionally received in a specialist shop such as a butchers or bakery.