One night after taking his friend out for his birthday in East Lansing, businessman Spencer Soka strolled up Grand River Avenue and stopped in front of the storefront that used to house Melting Moments.
It was perfect, Soka thought, for a deli. If only the spot was available.
As fate would have it, Melting Moments closed shop after 25 years in April, and Soka wasted no time moving in.
The
Stateside Deli and Grill, opened its doors Aug. 7 at 313 E. Grand River Ave. It’s Soka’s second Stateside location. The first is in Okemos at 3552 Meridian Crossing Dr.
Soka promises a full deli experience, complete with fresh-baked breads, pastrami sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks and meats hanging from the ceiling. But you can also order a burger and onion rings.
“We never ask our customers if the food is good,” says Soka, 30, who also owns a Verizon store in Okemos. “You know why? Because we know it’s good.”
Stateside Deli and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, the deli is open noon to 9 p.m.
Soka says he wants to cater to students, so he has opened up a back room where students can sit and study.
Source: Spencer Soka
Writer: Louise Knott Ahern
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