Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory creates new niche for breakfast, lunch choices
Word spreads like wildfire in an island community such as Sanibel, which explains why Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory proprietor Jeff Weigel was asked to cater a neighboring business’ ribbon-cutting ceremony before he had even opened the doors on his own business.
Weigel and his wife, Beth, whose family has owned and operated All Island Glass and Aluminum for more than 10 years, decided to settle in Sanibel two years ago when Weigel sold the restaurant he had operated in upstate New York for about nine years.
“I had a non-compete clause in New York,” explained Weigel, “so we naturally decided to come here where we had family.”
Weigel said that he is an engineer by trade, and in possession of an MBA to boot. But, the restaurant business is something that really seems to inspire him.
“What we really want to focus on here is good, quality food at normal prices,” said Weigel as he poured a latte for a customer.
The deli’s selection of all-organic, locally roasted coffees can be prepared in any number of ways, including regular, latte, espresso, cappuccino and iced and frozen varieties as well. Decaf is available for those who prefer their java without the kick. And for those who prefer a little extra kick, a “Depth Charge,” which is a shot of espresso in brewed coffee, ought to do the job nicely.
Opening seven days a week at 6 a.m., the Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory offers a full slate of deli-style breakfast items, including egg, meat and cheese sandwiches; bagels with cream cheese; banana, bran, corn, chocolate chip and blueberry muffins; and croissants, danishes and cinnamon rolls. Breakfast items are served at any time of day.
For lunch, diners can choose between homemade (from scratch!) soups, which are different every day — “Whatever we feel like making!” exclaims the menu — as well as salads, wraps and deli sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. Among the favorites are the Turkey Club, with turkey, lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayonnaise on white bread; the BLT with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on white bread; the Reuben with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on rye bread; the Meatball Sub with meatballs, sauce and cheese on a white roll; and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. All of these aforementioned specialty sandwiches come with potato chips and a pickle, and range in price from $6.95 to $7.50.
Vegetarian and gourmet selections include an Avocado and Cucumber Wrap for $6.95, a Caesar Wrap without bacon for $6.95, and California Veggie Wrap with alfalfa, roasted red pepper, lettuce, onion and hummus for $7.50, and a Veggie Burger for $5.75.
Any of the Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory’s meats and cheeses can be fashioned into a deli sandwich on white, wheat, rye, Italian or sourdough bread, or in an 8- or 12-inch sub roll, or wrapped up in a 12-inch tomato basil, spinach, wheat or chipotle tortilla. Meats include your choice of ham, turkey, roast beef, chicken, bologna, pastrami, corned beef or liverwurst. Cheeses include provolone, Swiss, American and cheddar.
As if all that weren’t enough, the Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory also offers a number of items fresh from the grill, such as burgers, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, and a Philly Steak or Chicken, grilled with peppers, onions and cheese on an 8-inch sub roll for $7.50. Panini sandwiches run the gamut from ham and cheese to Cuban to pastrami on rye. Grilled Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers with chips round out the selections for the kids.
For those headed to the beach, the Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory makes a great starting-off place to meet friends in the outside seating area, while enjoying an organic brew and bagel. While you sample the coffees and breakfast selections, the deli staff will be happy to prepare your boxed lunch for enjoyment seaside later in the day. For those in a rush, your order can be placed in advance, and your lunch will be ready for pick-up at any time of your choosing.
The Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory also offers full-service catering for that special event or party, as well as Boars Head deli meats by the pound, sliced to order. After January 1, free delivery will be offered island-wide. As a special incentive to try the organic, locally roasted coffee “difference,” the eatery is offering free refills of competitors’ coffee mugs from Jan. 2 through 9.
For more information or to place an order, call 472-2555.