When Whit’s Frozen Custard vacated their Short North store, neighboring business owner Tom Kincaid saw an opportunity. Kincaid, who purchased House Beer back in December, had been considering a remodel to add room for a House Beer kitchen. Instead, he’ll be opening a separate business, Short North Deli, next door.
A first-time business owner and Delaware resident, Kincaid is no stranger to the management world. In the 90s he ran night clubs, bars and restaurants all over the States. More recently, he spent 13 years at GFS as the prepared foods manager.
Buying House Beer, a turnkey operation, was a transitional moment. Kincaid didn’t have to bother with construction or vendor setup. Short North Deli was a different story. He and partners Brian Johnson and Dave Jordan are in the middle of turning the old ice cream shop into a deli, expecting an opening within the month.
“The Short North doesn’t have a deli, so I think that’s a niche that we’ll be able to fulfill here,” Kincaid said. “I know in speaking with a lot of the folks that come in here, everybody’s super excited about us opening.”
While House Beer and Short North Deli won’t share one space, they’ll at least share a (relatively simple) menu. The bar will get its own in a few months, but until then patrons will be able to choose from 12 sandwiches — named after Short North staples, like the Trolley Car and Doo Dah Parade — and a few sides, including macaroni and potato salads and kettle chips. They’ll also sell meats and cheeses by the pound. Paying further homage to their neighborhood, an artistic friend of Kincaid’s family will provide Short North-inspired art.
“We kind of want to make it after a New York- or Chicago-style deli is kind of the thought, but have Short North flair,” Kincaid said.
The deli will seat around 25, but guests probably won’t be sitting down to eat too often. Kincaid anticipates a main grab-and-go crowd coupled with the business he’ll get from House Beer customers and foot traffic.
Short North Deli, at 841 N. High St., has a planned opening date of April 25. They’ll be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.