The Deli at 8236 celebrated 17 years as Nederland’s quintessential sandwich shop on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Ross Alper and his crew have worked hard over the years serving quality meats, cheeses, and breads to the townspeople, with no plans to stop any time soon.
“We were just going from year to year, but in March we’re going to sign a four-year lease,” Alper told The Mountain-Ear in between taking customers’ orders.
With a long-term lease soon to be signed and the building having undergone a remodel last summer, The Deli will continue to offer their authentic East Coast deli fair, from classic Italian combos and turkey clubs, to hot and gooey meatball parmesan and delicious pressed Cuban sandwiches, well into the future.
“I’m excited to still be here,” Alper said. “The first five years were really challenging, but I’m so glad we stuck it out.”
From January, 2007 to 2012, Alper operated the shop as Bella’s Italian Deli, and during those five years learned how to navigate the shoulder months and the insanity of Frozen Dead Guy Days. When Alper became the sole proprietor, Bella’s took on new life as The Deli, a place celebrating the Nederland spirit and the music that the town is known for.
“It’s been full steam ahead ever since.”
Trippy concert posters for Taj Mahal, Dr. John, and others adorn the walls, and typically the voice of Jerry Garcia and the sounds of the Dead fill the space as one enjoys a Stromboli, or one of The Deli’s seasonal specials, like The Gobbler, or the chicken mushroom Swiss.
The Nederland community showed their love for Alper and everyone at The Deli by commenting on their anniversary message on Facebook. Grateful residents offered their congratulations as well as memories of the early days of the business, and gave shout outs to their favorite sandwiches and specials.
In addition to giving thanks to the community and to his hardworking staff, Alper wished to notify people of the Lovin Cup Community Kitchen charity, which offers meals to those in need.
“Remember any time anybody is hungry we’ll feed you and your family,” Alper said, explaining how The Deli and Lovin Cup used to host a soup kitchen before COVID-19, and detailing how they would provide meals from a cup of soup to a lasagna fit for the whole family.
“It’s about looking out for each other; it’s one of the most important things we can do.”
The Deli at 8236 is located at 34 East 1st Street in Nederland, and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 303-258-1113 or check out their website at: https://www.deliat8236.com.
