BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In a society of rapid and seemingly perpetual advancement underway on all fronts at all times, the perception of what is worth our attention is progressively shifting.
With frequent technological advancements of incrementally greater functionality having become commonplace, the virtues of concepts rooted in simplicity and fundamental workability are becoming increasingly emphasized by a consumer market desperate for something that feels genuine.
Enter Merchants Deli Market: a grassroots eatery established with the goal of fulfilling a community function rather than simply generating monetary gain.
“The goal is just to be your local neighborhood deli,” says Benjamin “BJ” Noel from behind the counter at the Merchant Deli Market’s new Harper Road location.
BJ makes up one half of the core duo behind the venture along with Bryan Merchant, who previously earned his living as a West Virginia coal miner for 15 years.
“We wanted something we could pass down to our kids,” he says of the startup, for which the pair conducted extensive research over the course of several years before deciding to pull the trigger.
The establishment first attracted a following while based in Beaver, with the original Merchants location having been set up at 159 Granby Circle in the School of Harmony building. But considerable interest in the products and service soon made clear that perhaps an expansion was in order to accommodate the growth of the business.
“We felt that we’d hit the ceiling [at the Granby Circle location] and had a unique opportunity to come to Harper Road with all this interstate traffic,” explains Noel. “So we just packed up everything and came to Harper road.”
The new location for Merchants Deli Market brings the deli’s exceptional customer service directly to a prime spot in the Beckley area. Setting up in the Shell Station building on 2004 Harper Road, Merchants has been afforded an expansive indoor space in which to operate – the former Dickey’s Barbeque Pit location where Merchants now operates alongside the Beef Jerky Outlet.
Growing up in Kanawha County, Noel noted the significant contrast in availability of a traditional deli experience in the Beckley area, and hopes that this is something Merchants Deli Market will be able to provide for the residents of Raleigh County.
“I grew up in the Charleston area, and I noticed there was nothing like this out here at that time,” he says.
The goal ultimately, is for Merchants to become a primary resource for local residents for whatever their needs may be.
“The whole concept is we’ll make it for you or we’ll get you what you need to make it at home,” he says.
Indeed, seldom does a customer find themselves with as wide an assortment of options at their disposal as when utilizing Merchants Deli Market. These include not only in-store dining choices, but also the option to take home meat and cheese by the slice or by the pound, along with party trays offered for catered events.
With 32 different sliced meat options, an array of cheeses, breads, chips, soups and more from which to choose, customers are granted full control over their dining experience.
But with such an assemblage of variables and potential flavor combinations, the prospect of the “build your own” option could prove to be overwhelming for some. But not to worry, the Merchants staff have got you covered.
“We offer a custom sandwich with a third pound of meat, fresh sliced bread, and cheese. If not we have some signature options we can recommend,” Noel assures.
Merchants’ sandwiches utilize Thumann’s Deli Best meat, which is brought in from New Jersey. Each high-quality cut makes use of fresh, all-natural ingredients approved by the American Heart Association.
Guests can also look forward to sinking their teeth into soft – or slightly crunchy, depending on one’s toasting preference – slices of Pepperidge Farm bread with each sandwich. The renowned producer’s 80-plus years of experience of providing quality to its customers just serves to underscore the premium experience guests are guaranteed to receive at Merchants Deli Market.
Along with their premium sandwich options, Merchants also offers everything from hot dogs, baked potatoes, salads, cookies, and signature soups of which three different signature creations are available each day – Angus Steak Chili, Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli Cheddar , Loaded Baked Potato, and French onion are just some of combinations offered.
And with the holidays fast approaching, one can’t forget the fully cooked bone-in and boneless spiral cut ham and turkey options. Be it for an Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas celebration, or even just for a typical weekday – no judgment – guests can pick up various 7 and 14 pound meat options with efficiency and ease.
“Every offering that we have, we want it to be looked at as the premium version,” declares Noel, again emphasizing Merchants’ commitment to the customer experience.
Learn more about Merchants Deli Market at their Facebook page, or reach out for more information by phone at (304) 860-1060 or by email at merchantsdelimarket@gmail.com.
Some of the products available through Merchants Deli Market can be seen below.
Breads – Hearty White, Italian White, Honey White, Butter Bread, Sweet Hawiian, Sourdough, Whole Wheat, Honey Wheat, 15 Grain, 6” Hoagie Roll, 12” Hoagie Roll, Croissant, Ciabatta, Original Wrap, Tomato Basil Wrap, Spinach Wrap, and Gluten Free.
Beef – Roast Beef, Corned Beef, Pastrami
Turkey – Golden Roasted Gourmet, Stana Fe Style, Hickory Smoked, Maple Glazed, Lemon Pepper
Italian – Capicola, Mortadella w/ Pistachios, Genoa Salami, Hard Salami, Pepperoni, Sopressata, Prosciutto
Chicken – Oven Roasted, Buffalo Style, Barbecue Chicken
Ham – Deluxe, Black Forest, Honey Baked, Maple Glazed
Bologna – Pork, Beef, Garlic
Cheese – Yellow American, White American, Swiss, Sharp Cheddar, Havarti, Muenster, Provolone, Colby, Marble, Gouda Smoked Gouda, Hot Pepper Jack, Salsa Jack, Super Hot Jumpin’ Jack, Chipotle Pepper Jack, Pepperoni, Garlic, Onion, Pimento, Bacon, Hot Pepper American
Toppings – Real Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard, Deli Mustard, Honey Mustard, Horseradish, Mustard, Horseradish Sauce, Italian, Russian, Dressing, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles
Also available are large, medium and small party trays as well as veggie trays, grilled all beef hot dogs, hand-pulled pork bbq, and more!