TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

A Boar's Head Smorgasbord In Spring Hill

ADVERTISEMENT

By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: January 28, 2009

SPRING HILL - It doesn't take much to get Rick Keegan to talk about his deli.

He has seen more than 10 neighboring businesses - including restaurants - shut down. He and his business partner have struggled through a recession, escalating rent and disruptive road construction, but they're undaunted.

There might have been some moments of doubt, but Keegan is often reminded why his deli has remained robust.

He sees many of the same faces every day. It's a sign he is giving the people what they want.

"I'm used to the New York delis and this is just like New York," said Long Island native Bob Higgins, who lives across the street from his favorite lunch spot. "They make it up just the way I like it ... The portions are good and the prices are great. I'm here almost every day."
Keegan and Dan Russell opened Hello Deli more than two years ago. They were one of the first to sign a lease at Silverthorn Square, located at the corner of Barclay Avenue and Powell Road.

A cafe and Chicago-style restaurant were among the casualties at the plaza. Others include a postal business, physical therapy center, dollar store and ice cream shop. There were a lot of factors that led to the closings, but Hello Deli has continued to operate because it offers what a lot of local residents have wanted, particularly those from New York.

"Some just weren't good ideas, let's face it," said Keegan of his former neighbors.

He knew he had an idea that could sell.

"There were no good delis around here before we opened," Keegan continued. "This is like the sixth borough (of New York). A lot of people call it that."
Hello Deli sells Boar's Head products - deli meat ranging from salami to turkey - and a variety of salads, which are made fresh every day. Customers also can choose from a selection of sides, drinks and desserts. There are racks lined along the store.

New York is written all over the place. Customers can even purchase a copy of the New York Post.

The deli also is popular among the teachers and other faculty at the nearby schools.

"We cover everything," said Keegan. "We do salads. We do wraps. We do breakfast, too. We have a New York-style bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. It gets cooked on a grill. It's not like the kind you get at a gas station."

There are soups available, which come from - you guessed it - Boar's Head.

Freshly baked bread is delivered each day. Keegan and Russell also slice, cook and prepare chicken cutlets, which they think are the best in Hernando County. They can be served at least seven different ways.

"The more meat you buy, the more stuff you get for free," said Russell. "We're about 10 percent off compared to Publix."

Both he and Keegan hope to expand one of these days and add more seating. They are accustomed to the typical New York-style deli - people walk in, buy their food and walk out.

In Florida, when people go out and buy food, they want to eat out, they said.

While the recession continues, they have delayed any plans to add additional square footage even though there are plenty of vacancies at Silverthorn Square.

For the time being, holding onto their loyal customers is what matters most.

"We have a big following," said Russell. "The people we count on will always come."

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz - Hello Deli
Owners - Rick Keegan and Dan Russell

What it is - New York-style deli

What it serves - Boar's Head meat and soups; salads

Where it is - 14243 Powell Road - Silverthorn Square

Hours of operation - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Get in touch - 352-544-0071

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT