Entry #2-- I like the idea and concept. That is along the same lines as what we are thinking. However, its not quite there yet. The smile doesn't quite stand out enough. Keep working along those lines.
You got it... I'll work up some revisions... It may be noteworthy to mention that often the things that take a logo from "hmm, cool logo" to "oh, snap - that's a cool logo" are often the things you don't see initially... not that the smile in the bottom of the belly is exactly hidden or anything here, I personally believe it's rather obvious but I design logos for a living so all I do is look for the conceptual relativity to a brand name in a logomark as soon as my eyes lock in... not the case for everybody else but at any rate I figured I'd just throw that out there ;)
In the meantime here are some resources that may help with your decision in the end:
i am with you on being subtle. I am not looking for something over the top, just something with a little more pop or humor. I do really like where you started. It is the direction that initially popped into my head as well. Trust me. I do not want to get cheesy. Again, just a little more. I understand that I am probably not helping out much with my advise, but logo design is not my specialty (why I am here). I am much better at restaurant concepts.
If this helps, I am trying to visualize the glass front decals in a strip mall location with race track channel letters on the overhead. I also need the logo to lend well to decor. The theme of the logo will flow through the interior. Just thought a little more background might help.
Here are some variations on #2 - this contains the script "the" & "deli", alternating orange & yellow, & alternating black, dark brown, and a dark blue/grayish color for the outlines...
We keep coming back to the first one you submitted #2. I guess i am wanting to see another interpretation from you. So far you have the closest as far as literal definition turned into graphic display. It's not color variations we want to see from you, but since you seem to have the right idea, we would like to see different ideas. Does that make any sense to you?