QUILCENE — Anything that gets people to stop in Quilcene rather than drive through is good for the town, according to a county commissioner.
“Quilcene has the reputation that it has nothing worth stopping for, but that is changing,” said Kathleen Kler, who lives in Quilcene.
“We are getting some new businesses that make it worthwhile for people to stop, take a breath and see what we have to offer.”
The latest such business is the Gear Head Deli, 294963 Highway 101, in a location that was a gas station more than 20 years ago.
Its former function is now part of the theme.
The building’s owner installed bright red ornamental gas pumps and business owners Larry and Debbie Williams have created an open space with an automotive feel that includes silver-topped tables, gears on top of support beams and containers made out of pistons.
The couple owns and operates the Plaid Pepper next door, a craft store that includes a coffee roaster and an espresso bar.
They decided to open a deli after hearing several requests for such a business and getting some gentle pressure from their landlord to do something with the space.
As their only food service experience was operating a hot dog cart during the summer in front of the Plaid Pepper, they set out to do some research about deli businesses, reading about them, developing recipes and eating in delis to see what they liked and what they didn’t.
They developed a menu that includes sandwiches, soups and salads — and smoking their own meats on the back porch.
A beer and wine license completed the picture and they opened April 15.
“We wanted to do something a little different. We didn’t want to do a restaurant because there are several of those around here,” Larry Williams said.
“During the summer, folks always want something to go, like meat and cheese and crackers, and hikers are looking for sandwiches that they can grab and then keep on moving.”
When asked what he likes most about the new business, Williams offered a simple answer.
“It’s not hanging drywall,” he said, referring to his former occupation.
Kler, who doesn’t expect any large businesses to locate in Quilcene, feels the deli is an example of what the town should attempt to attract.
“We are looking for small, sustainable businesses which add to the community,” she said.
“It can get people to stop in the first time. Next time they might stay for a while or decide to come back and start their own small business here.”
For more information on Gear Head Deli, phone the business at (360) 301-3244.
________
Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
