A Downtown Evansville Favorite Is Closing, But Its Story Isn’t Over Yet
A Downtown Evansville Favorite Is Closing, But Something New Is Coming
If you’ve ever grabbed lunch downtown, there’s a good chance you’ve stopped by The Deli inside the Old National Bank building. I have heard about the Deli, from what I know it's been a fan favorite for folks who work or live in Downtown Evansville looking for a quick refreshing bite for lunch.
After more than a decade serving downtown workers and visitors, The Deli will be closing its doors this week. But the good news for fans of the restaurant is that this isn’t the end of the road.
The Deli Is Searching for a New Home
The Deli first opened in Evansville back in 2001 as Old Market Deli on North First Avenue before moving locations and eventually settling inside the Old National Bank headquarters at One Main Street in 2013.
For years, the restaurant has been a popular lunch spot, serving up sandwiches, soups, home-style plate lunches, and a salad bar for both Old National Bank employees and the public.
The Deli’s final day at One Main Street will be Thursday, July 30, after Old National Bank decided not to renew the restaurant’s lease as it moves in a different direction with the space.
Owners Scott and Patti Nickens say they are not retiring. They’re already looking for a new location and hope to keep The Deli downtown.
Scott says finding the right spot has been a challenge. The couple is looking for a smaller restaurant space, around 1,600 to 1,700 square feet, and would love to find a location that is already set up for restaurant use.
In the meantime, Scott has been collecting customers’ phone numbers with their orders so they can be contacted when The Deli officially has a new home.
A New Restaurant Concept Is Coming Downtown
While one familiar restaurant is leaving One Main Street, a new local concept is getting ready to move in.
Randy Hobson and the Pangea Restaurant Group are expanding with their fifth restaurant concept called Global Exchange.
The new restaurant will offer breakfast and lunch options, along with an elevated coffee program. Like Hobson’s other restaurants, the menu will focus on locally sourced ingredients and house-made dishes inspired by cultures from around the world.
Global Exchange is expected to open to the public on Monday, August 10, at One Main Street in Downtown Evansville.
Downtown Dining Continues to Grow
Even though The Deli’s closing marks the end of an era at the Old National Bank building, the owners are hoping their story isn’t finished yet.
For longtime customers, the hope is that The Deli will soon have a new downtown location where people can continue enjoying their favorite lunch spot. And in the meantime, Evansville will have another new restaurant concept to check out this summer.
To read about more Evansville Restaurants, that could use your help, click this link.
More From My WJLT 105.3
