Belleville’s new deli is open for lunch, offering locally sourced goods
There’s a new option for lunch and dinner in downtown Belleville with the opening of Big Daddy’s Deli on East Main Street.
The deli side of Big Daddy’s 618 launched a soft opening last week “to get all our processes down,” said owner Scott Schmelzel.
The soft launch continues, with the deli operating Wednesday through Friday this week from 11 a.m. until around 3 p.m., he said.
Starting next week, the deli will be open Tuesday through Saturday.
Schmelzel said Big Daddy’s will spend at least a couple of weeks focusing on lunch as they get used to the menu, workflow and functions of the deli, learning and adapting as they go. From there he will see how things are going and look at extending the hours into the evening.
After 21 years running a business, Schmelzel believes it’s better to start off slow.
“You live and you learn, he said. “We’re trying to walk before we start running.”
Made to order and locally sourced
Some of the menu staples include Italian sandwiches (Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Italian Beef) and classic American deli favorites. The deli also offers salads, wraps and toasted sandwiches.
Schmelzel specifically mentioned the hot honey Buffalo chicken sandwich.
“We are making our chicken cutlets to order,” he said.
The fryer uses beef tallow rather than vegetable oil, said Schmelzel, explaining that it’s lighter and heats faster than vegetable oil. The deli also has a smoker for its meats, mainly chicken and meatballs.
Schmelzel said the goods offered in the deli are sourced from local businesses.
The sandwich breads come from Fazio’s Bakery in St. Louis, “the best brand in bread in our market,” he said.
The meats are straight from the Wenneman Meat Co. in St. Libory, the produce from Farmers Market in Belleville. Sodas on offer are from Excel Bottling Co. (Breese) and Fitz’s (St. Louis). The bakery treats — cookies and brownies — are from downtown Belleville’s Sugar High Bakery.
Deli addition & other improvements
The popular bar reopened in August after closing on April 1 to undergo renovations with assistance from the city via a $32,500 tax increment financing incentive.
Securing the TIF from the city was “a big factor in helping us stay downtown,” Schmelzel said in January.
As per the agreement, his business, Smeez Inc., was to invest no less than $130,000 for the remodel by Sept. 1.
The remodel included capital improvements (roof repairs, HVAC, electrical and plumbing updates), cosmetic changes (building facade, flooring, bar, lighting), patio upgrades and the additions of a gaming room and kitchen.
In addition, the agreement stated that the business would create two full-time employment positions within the first year of operation and 10 additional part-time positions within two years.
Smeez Inc. committed to annual sales subject to sales tax of no less than $800,000 and to remain in business, operating at the site for no less than five years.
About Big Daddy’s Deli
Big Daddy’s Deli is located at 313 E. Main St., Belleville, inside Big Daddy’s 618. Hours this week are 11 a.m. to around 3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. The deli will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday starting Sept. 23.
For updates and information about Big Daddy’s 618 and Big Daddy’s Deli, call 618-257-0315 or visit facebook.com/bigdaddys618.
