Brandon Sutton wants Groucho's Deli to be "that place" in Statesville.
The place with a name that naturally slips off people's tongues when they're looking for a place for casual meetings or to hang out with their friends on a lazy afternoon.
That's the kind of place Sutton experienced at the Groucho's Deli flagship restaurant he frequented for five years while living in Columbia, S.C.
Sutton and his wife Cindy finalized the contract with the Columbia, S.C., franchise Friday and signed a lease for the vacant storefront on the corner of Broad Street and Center Street.
He believes the deli's selection of sandwiches, soups and salads will help close the gap between fast food and fine dining in downtown starting in mid to late January.
"The great thing about Groucho's is they run food pretty quick," he said. "To me, they are a true deli."
Sutton plans to hire eight to 12 employees to work as servers and kitchen staff.
Located at the corner of Broad Street and Center Street, Groucho's will fill the vacant space left at 101 E. Broad St. when La Dolce Vita Cafe moved to Broad Street Gallery.
Building owners Donna and Marion Karr said they were thrilled that the spot had a new tenant.
Donna Karr said she showed the building to prospective tenants at least 50 times. Some of the people who walked through were interested in starting a night club, restaurants, bakeries, retail stores and even a recording studio.
Karr said nine of those prospective business owners tried to get financing to start their venture, and eight were turned down.
"The banks have not been financing start-up businesses, especially restaurants," Karr said.
In order to place the business in downtown Statesville, Groucho's had to approve the franchise's location, lease and local demographics. Sutton said the company was enthusiastic about opening in Statesville.
Since the original deli opened in 1941, 20 Groucho's franchises have opened.
Before Sutton opens his doors, he will spend a couple weeks training at the Groucho's franchise in Blythewood, S.C.. Groucho's wants to maintain its brand and quality standards, he said.
The decision to open a Groucho's became easy after the Suttons talked about requirements for opening a franchise with company officials more than a year ago.
Sutton said he left with the impression that Groucho's was willing to offer the support needed to make the Statesville restaurant a success.
"I am hoping that it will do real well," Karr said. "I can kind of see why they liked our corner building. Believe me, no one is happier to have it rented than we are."
In an effort to build a sense of community, Sutton is seeking football jerseys from Statesville High School, North Iredell High School, South Iredell High School and West Iredell High School. He will also collect pictures and other items depicting Statesville's past.
The Suttons plan to offer catering, like boxed meals, and are willing to deliver it to businesses.
"It's going to be a lot of fun," Sutton said.
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