King cake season in Baton Rouge is already a sport… but leave it to Anthony’s Italian Deli to come through with a plot twist no one saw coming (and everyone suddenly needs). This Mardi Gras, the longtime Government Street staple is serving up a Muff King Cake—and yes, it’s exactly as iconic as it sounds.

According to Marco Saia, the idea came straight from watching the community have fun with tradition.

“Honestly, the King Cake Muff was inspired by watching all these amazing BR restaurants participate in the Geaux Baton Rouge king cake giveaways,” Marco shared. “We were motivated by the sushi king cake and thought, we could do that too!”

From there, things got very Anthony’s—meaning thoughtful, family-driven, and rooted in decades of experience. Their bakery partner, Jumonville’s, who they’ve worked with for 46 years, used to make traditional king cakes. Together, they sat down and figured out how to adapt the bread molds using existing equipment, turning a classic into something completely new.

“We have loved being a part of Mardi Gras season with our Muff King Cake,” Marco said. “We have been mostly doing the same thing for over 46 years, so every now and then it’s exciting to change things up—especially since the community has responded so positively.”

And positively is an understatement. These savory king cakes feed 10–12 people, making them a go-to for Mardi Gras balls, parties, and anyone trying to show up with something unforgettable. So popular, in fact, that customers started asking for more.

“We’ve had many requests to do our other sandwiches on the bread,” Marco added. “So this season we’ve experimented with the Italian Deli King Cake and also the Meatball King Cake.”

Yes—Italian Deli King Cake. Meatball King Cake. Consider your Mardi Gras plans officially upgraded.

If you’re new to Anthony’s Italian Deli (first of all—welcome), the spot has been a Baton Rouge institution for decades. According to Anthony’s Italian Deli’s website, the restaurant is located at 5575 Government Street and has been serving the community for over 30 years. Founded in 1978 by Anthony and Marie Saia—Anthony from Sicily and Marie from Bergamo—the deli remains family-operated, with their children Marco and Margaret continuing the legacy today.

The menu is famously timeless: pressed muffolettas made with authentic Italian meats and cheeses, homemade spaghetti with house-made sausage, daily specials, and their legendary olive salad made from a closely guarded family recipe. Meats are sourced locally when possible, cheeses are imported from Italy, and even the muffoletta bread is made by a local baker trained by the Saia family themselves. The dining room feels like a love letter to the Old Country—red and white checkered tablecloths, Italian flags, family photos, and shelves lined with imported goods.

So while Anthony’s may be known for keeping things classic, this king cake season proves they’re not afraid to have a little fun—one savory slice at a time.