Main Street Market and Deli offers a taste of New York
Dec. 5—TUPELO — John Sherhan came a long way to ensure that people don't view Main Street Deli and Market as just another convenience store.
The store, located at 1228 West Main Street, has been vacant since it was built in 2015, but Sherhan and his business partner in Memphis saw the building as a chance to do something different.
"I came from New York, where I have businesses, to Tupelo because I thought it was a great opportunity," Sherhan said. "I like Tupelo ... my partners were interested and actually started working on it, but they were so busy with their other businesses, they called me to come down."
Sherhan, who also owns commercial businesses in New York that his family helps run, has enjoyed his time in Tupelo so far. It's a slower pace than the Big Apple, but he said he's adjusting to it.
"I figured that it would be much slower, but it's been nice," he said.
While the store has what one would expect in a modern convenience store these days — fuel pumps out front and drinks, snacks and hot food inside — Sherhan has added a little more, including Zippo lighters, blankets, sun glasses, sports merchandise and other accessories.
But it's the food that makes the store stand out from the rest, Sherhan maintains.
While Krispy Krunchy fried chicken is available, there is a hot bar where customers can get a plate lunch. Bessie Stephens is in charge of the hot bar, and she's served her down-home cooking at several locations throughout Northeast Mississippi, including Montgomery's in Pontotoc, Papa V's in Tupelo and TJ's Barbecue in Tupelo. Chicken and dumplings, chicken casserole, hamburger steak and baked chicken are among the recent entrees available, along with sides like green beans, peas, corn, mashed potatoes and more.
Sherhan said he wants the store to be known for something close to his heart.
"We don't want it to be a conventional store, and we're emphasizing the New York-style deli," he said. "We're trying to get some new flavors, new things here in Tupelo."
There are breakfast foods available at the deli, including a breakfast burrito, BLT, avocado toast, veggie omelet and bagels and cream cheese.
Paninis, salads, burger and wraps are on the menu, and nearly two dozen different sandwiches — hot and cold — are available, including a Philly cheesesteak, Reuben, fried Bologna, pastrami, chicken shawarma, Italian sub, roast beef, turkey, tuna, chicken and more.
And while frozen fruit smoothies are available, the store may serve milkshakes, as well.
"We want people not only to buy gas, but be able to come in and find something to eat," he said. "We want to offer something other than your conventional store."
Main Street Deli and Market is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., but after the new year comes, it may open 24 hours.
