Business has picked up at the Twin City Deli in Crystal City following a rough start about two months ago when the restaurant opened at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Steve Houston, who helps run the business at 514 Bailey Road.
“We got busy at lunch, and we actually had lines out the door today (June 11)," he said.
That’s a stark contrast from how thing looked the first week the restaurant was open.
“I think it was a Monday, March 16, that we opened,” Houston said. “I think by Thursday or Friday that week the governor had shut everything down. We could only do curbside and catering.”
“It was rough conditions to start,” said Todd Frazier, who also helps operate the business.
The men said their wives, Gina Houston and Beth Frazier, actually own the Twin City Deli. The Houstons live in Arnold and the Fraziers live in Festus.
The restaurant is a traditional deli, offering sandwiches, soups and salads, among other items, the men said.
“I would say we’re more of a New York-style deli,” Todd Frazier said.
“We went with top-tier deli meats,” Steve Houston added. “We have pastrami, roast beef, Italian sandwiches.”
Other menu items include signature sandwiches like the Main Street Reuben, the Crystal City Turkey, the Bailey Beef Cheddar and the Festus Caprese.
Houston said the restaurant offers one item, though, that typically isn’t found at a New York deli – the Big Muffa, which is a New Orleans-style muffuletta sandwich.
“It’s an Italian-type sandwich with an olive salad on top,” he said. “It’s like a real thick relish. It’s a messy sandwich, but very good.”
Diners may customize their sandwiches, choosing from different breads, meats, toppings, cheeses and condiments. They also may add extras, like bacon or sauerkraut, for small fees.
Frazier said that while patrons may now dine in at Twin City Deli, the business continues to adhere to social-distancing guidelines to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
The deli’s fare makes it easy to carry away, Houston added.
“Everything we make is set up for dine-in or carry-out,” he said. “It’s wrapped in butcher paper.”
The business has six employees, including the two men.
“It’s family owned and operated,” Frazier said. “It’s a family-friendly place.”
Twin City Deli is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
