Gainesville foodies, get ready for some exciting news from a long-standing breakfast favorite! 43rd Street Deli Millhopper, a true Gainesville institution, is on the move. But don’t worry, your go-to spot for morning deliciousness isn’t going far – in fact, it’s just around the corner.
This week’s local restaurant scoop brings you the details on 43rd Street Deli’s relocation, along with updates from the University of Florida campus dining scene and a refreshing deal for vaccinated patrons.
A New Chapter for 43rd Street Deli Millhopper
For 38 years, 43rd Street Deli Millhopper has been synonymous with breakfast bliss in Gainesville. Now, this beloved deli is embarking on a new chapter, relocating a mere 300 feet from its original spot in the Le Pavillion Shopping & Dining Center at 4401 NW 25th Place. The new address? 4410 NW 25th Place, a standalone building previously home to Francesca’s Trattoria.
Owner Paul Cakmis anticipates the new space will be buzzing with breakfast lovers by the end of March. While the deli will remain open at its current location during the build-out phase, a brief closure of about a week might be necessary to ensure a smooth transition and setup at the new location. This short pause will guarantee all equipment is perfectly calibrated and the pantry is stocked for continued service.
The story of 43rd Street Deli began with Paul Cakmis’ vision to bring a kosher deli experience to Gainesville, inspired by his time in Chicago. Initially located just off Northwest 43rd Street, the deli’s breakfast offerings quickly stole the show. “The breakfast sort of took over,” Cakmis recalls, and 43rd Street Deli became renowned for its extensive menu of classic breakfast fare and enticing weekend brunch specials.
Image alt text: 43rd Street Deli Millhopper storefront exterior, Gainesville, FL, displaying its established brand.
The deli’s popularity led to a second location at the corner of Southwest 13th Street and Southwest 16th Avenue, which eventually transformed into a CVS Pharmacy. Around the same time that second location closed its doors two decades ago, Cakmis expanded further south, opening 43rd Street Deli South at 3483 SW Williston Road, solidifying the deli’s presence across Gainesville.
This relocation to a family-owned, standalone building is particularly special as it marks a fresh start for Paul Cakmis’ daughter, Grace Cakmis, who will be taking the reins as the new operator. “I’m getting old and tired,” the 71-year-old Paul Cakmis jokes, expressing immense pride in Grace. Interestingly, Grace’s journey with the deli didn’t begin in the kitchen.
Grace, now 29, initially contributed to the family business in front-of-house roles like hosting and waitressing since her teenage years. However, fate intervened one busy weekend morning when a kitchen staff shortage at age 15 propelled her into the heart of the cooking action. “The transition just happened like it was sort of meant to be,” Grace explains. From flipping pancakes to prepping toast, she found her calling and has been an integral part of the breakfast haven ever since, even putting her business studies on hold to dedicate herself fully to the deli.
Image alt text: Grace Cakmis presenting weekend specials at 43rd Street Deli Millhopper, highlighting menu creativity.
Grace’s culinary creativity shines through the deli’s ever-changing weekend specials, a testament to her passion and innovation. These weekly delights draw inspiration from diverse sources, ranging from cherished family recipes to global flavors discovered during her travels. Collaborating with her sister, a chef in San Francisco, further fuels her menu development. Recent weekend specials have included mouthwatering homemade ricotta pancakes with hazelnuts and orange-ginger jam, decadent monkey bread French toast, and a savory omelet loaded with carnitas, brisket, and sautéed vegetables. “She’s become extremely creative,” Paul Cakmis proudly states, emphasizing Grace’s unique approach to breakfast. “There’s nobody in the city that puts out breakfast like she does on the weekends.”
The new 4,500-square-foot location promises exciting enhancements. A kitchen twice the size and a spacious outdoor seating area will cater to more patrons seeking to enjoy their breakfast or brunch in a comfortable setting. While Paul Cakmis envisions incorporating modern trends like specialty coffees, juices, smoothies, and brunch cocktails, Grace Cakmis is keen on preserving the “old school” and “traditional vibe” that has cultivated a loyal customer base over the years. “Without them,” Grace acknowledges, “We would not be where we are now.”
More Gainesville Food News: Quick Bites
Firehouse Subs has ignited the University of Florida campus with its first location at 222 Fletcher Drive in Turlington Plaza. Diners can enjoy their favorite subs knowing that a portion of each purchase in 2021 contributes to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, supporting first responders nationwide. Gainesville already boasts two other Firehouse Subs locations at 1412 W. University Ave. #1 and 3221 SW 35th Blvd.
First Magnitude Brewing Company, located at 1220 SE Veitch St., is raising a glass to vaccination efforts by offering a free beer to anyone who presents proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. This initiative encourages community health and a return to normalcy, as stated in their Facebook post: “The sooner we all get the vaccine, the sooner we can get back to normal and drink beers together without masks.” Alachua County has seen over 6,000 residents receive both vaccine doses as of Wednesday.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for 43rd Street Deli
The relocation of 43rd Street Deli Millhopper signifies not just a change of address, but a rejuvenation of a Gainesville breakfast institution. With Grace Cakmis at the helm, blending tradition with innovation, and a brand-new, spacious location, the future looks bright for this beloved local deli. Gainesville residents can look forward to continuing their 43rd Street Deli breakfast traditions in an even better setting very soon.
