Another Sandwich Shop Coming to Decatur?
Decatur Metro | May 3, 2011
Billy sends in this photo and writes in…
I walked past Eat @ Thai and it is closed with this poster in the window saying American Deli coming soon.
For the uninitiated, here’s a link to the Eat @ Thai location.
Latest from Decaturish
Wait, isn’t that right next door to a Subway?
I do have a question…is there a master plan to Decatur zoning/renting or is it how ever you can lease your space. Putting a deli next to Subway and a Diner, around the corner from Sammichs & Stuff and down the street from Pita Pit and Jimmy Johns just doesn’t seem like a smart placement idea. Just like having a Thai place right next to Noodle wasn’t a smart one.
Each individually owned property handles its own leasing and, in theory and mostly in practice, competes against all others. The city does not manage leasing, though the Economic Development department does assist with overall promotion of Decatur as a place to do business, as well as pass along leads and generally try to connect interested tenants with available properties.
The city does not zone to that degree, though there are good folks there who can and do offer advice to both landlords and potential tenants regarding what types of businesses they feel would be successful for all three entities. What surprises me is that Subway would not have a clause in their lease prohibiting another sandwich shop from opening in the same building.
I believe scientists are close to proving that what Subway serves doesn’t actually qualify as food. The peer-reviewed paper should be published any day now.
It’s funny how so many people have these outlandish ideas about the quality of food Subway has. Honest question seeking an honest answer to the post above. When is the last time you visited and ordered something from the Subway on E. Ponce downtown?
Never. Having been to many Subways, I concluded the food was pretty gross and stopped going.
I’ve eaten at that Subway maybe a dozen times. Meh. Fills you up, kinda cheap, better for you than a burger.
There are things on the menu they do a passable job on, but with Jimmy Johns and Pita Pit around now, I think they will soon be int trouble.
I prefer Subway to Jimmy John’s — but I don’t eat meat so maybe that makes a difference.
JJ’s sandwiches are not much, in my opinion. I would rather have Subway too.
Pretty much mimics a mall’s food court concept.
I guess you won’t be able to get French fries or Spanish omelets there.
They actually serve burgers and fries. It is a chain restaurant. There is one in the Edgewood shopping center and I think there is one at Columbia and Memorial.
Wasn’t it an American Deli on Church Street that shut down a while ago, near the defunct Dodge dealership?
i believe so…
http://www.iloveamericandeli.com/
Another of those “jack of all trades, master of none” joints that serves pretty much anything you’d like as long as it’s unhealthy and prepared with minimal competence. I’m sure there’s someone out there who thinks this is great news, but he’s probably already eating at the Subway and the diner on either side. I don’t like their chances.
I think the building owner is just happy to have someone paying rent and the city is glad for the tax revenue, but it would be nice if someone took these folks aside and at least attempted to explain to them why their brilliant business venture ain’t so brilliant.
What tax revenue are you talking about? The City does get Occupation (business) License revenue, but nothing from sales tax (until the whole HOST thing with the County is settled) and the landlord pays the property tax anyway.
good one, lumpintheroad.
American Deli, huh? So, this is going to be a burrito place?
Actually, it’s a new pub.
Another chain. The national chain restaurants are multiplying fast along Ponce — Subway, this joint, Ruby Tuesday, Ted’s, Pita Pit, Starbucks, Jimmy John’s. Should we be concerned?
No.
Ooo! Ooo! A chance to quote the Decatur Strategic Plan Appendix B?? I’ll take it!
“While chain retailers can sometimes add to the local customer base, the current vibrancy of the City of Decatur, and particularly the downtown core, is based on the uniqueness of its offerings. If this uniqueness were ever to be diluted, it could eventually lead to a declining retail and restaurant base. It is important to see the potential addition of chain
retailers as a complement to an already viable local retail market. Chain retailers in the local market should not be viewed as a mark of success (or the lack thereof as a mark of failure).”
Ummmmm ….
Kent Brockman: “Professor, would you say it is time for us to crack each others’ heads open and feast on the goo inside?”
Professor: “Yes I would Kent.”
LIKE
New Cakes & Ale, Ford Fry’s new place at Eurasia, Fox Brothers new storefront at the old Fish house.
Any town our size in America would be happy to put up with a couple “American Delis” to attract that kind of restaurant wattage all in one season. Even most of the chains–Jimmy Johns, Pita Pit, are kinda funky and cool.
If I remember right, nobody here gave Sammiches and Stuff much of a chance, but those folks knew what they were doing. They have a loyal crowd and I don’t think they are going away any time soon. I’ve enjoyed every meal I’ve had there, and they price right.
American Deli is targeted at a demo that is probably underrepresented on DM. I hope they know what they’re doing, and succeed. How many times has that storefront turned in recent memory? I’d welcome a restaurant that I never use, but has enough customers to survive. Much preferable to another empty storefront.
By the way, had lunch at Badda Bing last Wednesday. I had enough food to feed three people for about seven bucks. And it was YUMM–EE!
Thank you for an excellent post, Daren.
+1, 2 and 3 on Badda Bing!
It was open? My daughter and I love to eat here but it’s only be open about twice in the last 5 years when we’ve happened to be walking by.
Here we go again. Assassination of a business before they even open just because they aren’t “trendy” enough for the Decatur crowd.
I’m going to be generous and call that an oversimplification of the criticisms raised here.
Yeah really, what, we can’t have opinions here on DM?
Their signature sandwich is bologna on Wonder bread with iceberg lettuce, refrigerated hot house tomatoes and of course a slice of pre-sliced & wrapped American cheese. Their other selections will rotate according to what Sysco has in inventory that week. I for one cannot wait to eat here!
Good one. Except that should read, …American “cheese”.
Cheese-inspired food product
Cheese food product, e.g. American cheese and Cheese Whiz, is incredibly popular with young children, never figured out why. I guess their taste buds are still sharp so they prefer bland over spicey food or unusual flavors. Have to confess that I can enjoy cheese food product if it’s toasted under the broiler. Secret confessions, sure glad this blog is anonymous.
Just how many sandwiches do people think we need?
The thai restaurant was very good before it switched management companies, I used to go all the time. After the reopening, I just wasn’t feeling it anymore and stuck to going to Noodles.
The American Deli is not a “sandwich” shop. Its a chain (more of a hamburger and fries fast food joint), and not a great one IMO. However, if they are willing to be a business partner with Decatur, then we should encourage it. If they fill a need, they will succeed. If they don’ t, they will fail. Simple enough. My guess is that they will appeal to the high school and junior high school age crowd.
On another note, what’s with all the Subway hatred? Is it really that awful to have a place that serves affordable fare and allows you to have the sandwich that you like? I know my kids are huge fans. I also appreciate that I know exactly what I am eating from a nutritional perspective.
Last note, regarding chains. I also am not a fan, but if they are willing to invest and move in, when independant owners are not, we have no right to get upset, or at the very least we seem silly doing so. Perhaps we should question the amount of capacity in the retail system/district. Regardless, why be concerned? Isn’t this a matter of capitalism. If the people want the cjain, it will succeed, if not, it won’t.
I would hate to be the new kid in school with this crowd!
*Pushes you down and takes your locally-sourced lunch* The model U.N. says hello!
oh, ok it is a burger and fries joint – I guess the word “Deli” in the name threw me off. But, then there is American before the deli – that explains the burger as their primary fare. Yes, this should be a successful business, as I cannot think to save my life where I could get a burger and fries anywhere close to this place.
@Photo: “If they fill a need, they will succeed. If they don’t, they will fail. Simple enough.” I think they probably won’t succeed, but why not let it play out. It is alarming the amount of pre-judgement that takes place on these blogs. – and yes, I quoted myself
I am STILL mourning the vegetarian sandwich shop that was in that spot when I moved to Decatur. I don’t know how long it had been there before, but it didn’t stay very long – and it was on the expensive side, but it was good.
I still mourn Corky Dean’s.
Mrs. Token and I do too.
Me, too! Went there a lot when I first moved here. Hated to lose that great combo of unpretentious vibe and good burgers/fries/shakes menu.
Even capitalism has nudges and pushes in various directions that get the results we get/zoning/tax laws etc. Decatur feels like it has the capacity to offer a vibrancy that is unique from the great swaths of strip malls and gas stations. As I start to lament the sub-par chain food and sub-par environments that seem to be proliferating I take hope in the Italian brothers and their pizza oven, the new restaurant at the old Eurasia and what I hope will soon be my preferred sandwich spot the bakery run by Cakes & Ale.
I stopped by Egbert and Gilbert…Is that its name? And I was totally underwhelmed.
Well said, I mirror your hopes.
I have almost tried the Egbert and Gilbert a few times but reconsidered – I am thinking I made the right choice from your statement.
I guess business economic types trying to makes sense of sub par eating establishments will always butt heads with people of taste and vision.
I hereby nominate you to the “Taste & Vision” Council. We need visionaries to make all decisions for us so that we don’t get a tacky storefront or sub par eating establishment. Save us from ourselves and our foolish business sense!
Remember: people of taste & vision and people who understand economics aren’t mutually exclusive.
Yes, my mistake – thankfully you are right. There is proof of that in Decatur now and in the coming months and hopefully years. I just hope places like American Deli do not take over too much, making talented chefs and yes visionaries look elsewhere – like West Atlanta.
Erbert & Gerbert’s brings nothing new to the lunch table and the meat portion was almost microscopic both at their Inman Park Festival cart and at the shop. Publix subs are where it’s at for me.
Erbert’s & Gerbert’s. We stopped in on Friday. We weren’t blown away, but it was decent.
I find it helpful to use a burrito chain quality scale when referring to other chain places, as for whatever reason everyone seems to be on more or less on the same page with burritos. At the low, borderline inedible end you have Moe’s, progressing (slightly) to Willy’s in the middle, with Chipotle at the top (give me Raging Burrito any day, but I’m trying to make a point here). I’d map Erbert’s & Gerbert’s somewhere between Willy’s and Chipotle: definitely better than Subway and Quizno’s (in terms of the bread quality, creativity of sandwich composition, and quality of some of the ingredients, as well as having a nice selection of quality soups), but still lacking in some areas. Bonus points for cute decor, super friendly staff (I think it’s owned and run by a family), and the nifty inclusion of a Coke Freestyle machine.
Moreover, I applaud them for setting up shop in an area that is currently undeserved, as opposed to American Deli’s attempt to insert itself into an already saturated location.
I’ve been to both of the new sub places, Erbert & Gerbert’s, and Jimmy Johns. To be honest, my palate is rather unsophisticated, so my opinion on both of these establishments is positive. I like the sandwiches/subs they serve there, and my children also like them.
As for Subway…I’ve never had a problem with the food there, so I have nothing negative to say. Sometimes, a sandwich is a sandwich is a sandwich.
I’ve been to American Deli a few times, including the one in Edgewood Plaza. It felt kinda dirty. It may not have been, maybe it was just the ambience. But Lump had it right; they are a jack of all trades, master of none type place that serves a lot of different mediocre foods.
American Sandwich is actually a wing shop that also has deli sandwiches, salads and burgers. I’m looking forward to the new opening since Sensational Subs has closed. It will provide an inexpensive lunch that’s really good.
unlike the rest of my family, I prefer Blimpie to Subway. Just sayin’.
Understand that the forge of capitalism is the best measure of whether eating establishments should thrive or dive but couldn’t the City at least enforce some decent definitions?
A deli is short for delicatessen which comes from the German for “delicacy” or “fine food” and has a very definite meaning in places like New York and Chicago. A hamburger, fries, and cheap sandwich chain does not sound like a true kosher or German delicatessen to me.
Ditto for “bakeries” that do not have fresh baked goods, “country cooking” that is not homespun, pubs that are just cheap bars, and just about anything called a “shoppe” if it is not located in England or the 19th Century or earlier.
Life is short and precision is rare. Be where you are.
Why of why can’t it be an In-and-Out Burger?????
word
Forget In and Out. We need a Pal’s!!!!
http://www.palsweb.com/
Because an In-N-Out without a drive-thru is a sin against God and nature. Any other questions?
I can taste the double double with cheese. No telling what would happen to my health if an In n Out moved in, but Id love to find out
I used to get carry out of the buffalo wings which are very good (and the lunch special was a good deal). I was bummed when the one on Church street closed.
I certainly did enjoy the early bird meal special at Thai Me Up. I wish more places would offer those types of deals (and the quality of food, which was originally quite good). Like most, I never made it to the replacement restaurant. I’ve never been to American Deli, and I’m guessing that will remain true after this one opens, now that I’ve seen the menu. I did end up at Jimmy John’s for the first time tonight since Raging closed early due to a maintenance issue or something. I was once again reminded why I don’t go to those types of establishments (Subway being far and away the worst): the bread is horrid. Well, that and nearly all ingredients. The 7-grain bread at Jimmy John’s tasted like one soggy, sad, overused grain, full of sugar and genericness. There was no texture nor crunch, just flavorless wheat (they even call this bread “7-grain wheat,” as if that’s somehow a type of wheat). I was glad to discover JJ’s is open until 10 pm, and for that reason I may return again one day due to sheer convenience. More likely, though, I’ll get a Hoagie at Mellow or go earlier for a sandwich from Sawicki’s.
Mellow Mushroom is a chain.
A good feature of Jimmy John’s is that they deliver locally, which has its uses when its 7:30 PM and the will to cook dinner is still not there. I’m not a sub eater or I’d use JJ’s delivery option.
I find Pita Pit next to the Square to be a cut above the sub/sandwich chains. The decor is fast food and not warm or inviting. But you can have a darn good vegetarian pita depending on what you choose to put in it. And the counter folks have been real friendly so far. Not sure if they deliver but I wouldn’t feel that I was negligent if I served their pitas to the children for dinner.
The apparently have a two mile radius, yet will not go south of Agnes Scott. That smells of something, just can’t put my finger on it….
…fear of College Heights! Those preK-ers scare me too!
It’s awesome to be able to argue about the enormous range of restaurant choices we have in Decatur, during a time that unemployment in this region is over 10%.
Give me a bean burrito with green sauce and fries from Del Taco.
If you’re from California, you know what I’m talking about….
Isn’t Del Taco a horrible chain with locations in middle Georgia? Love Baja Fresh in California, though, and glad to see one opened up near Centennial Park.
I remember Del Taco actively competed with Taco Bell in Atlanta when I was a kid in the 70s and 80s. Back then, as my mom (who moved in from more ethnically diverse parts) occasionally recollects with a shudder, those two and maybe El Toro were your only “Mexican” options in this town. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.
del taco-home of the chaco taco!
Choco Tacos Rock!
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/02/how-to-make-a-choco-taco-from-scratch.html
Even cooler — fried Chaco Tacos!
http://www.stuffieatfrom711.com/2009/02/choco-taco-fried-ice-cream.html
When is Charis opening and how will they fare in this?
I must have one of the few houses in Decatur that came with a kitchen.
Was just thinking the same thing. Hard to imagine this is the same crowd that also gets supremely exercised over grocery stores!
No, Del Taco (the chain) is not in Georgia. But it could come back.
NOW, the chain I REALLY want is Roberto’s. But it is just in California and Nevada.
I told my wife of this news last night and she said what the heck??
more power to the owners for opening a business in decatur, but it’s not my style, i’ve been in an american deli before and did not see anything i’d ever want to order