Taste and flair of the New York deli arrive in Bella Vista
Posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The authentic taste of a New York City deli isn't thousands of miles away - it can be found right in your own backyard.
Backstreet Sandwiches, at Highlands Crossing Center, offers just such an experience with meats ranging from oven-roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, top-round roast beef and extra-lean pastrami - all imported straight from the "Big Apple."
Bill Beyer, a product of Brooklyn, N. Y., said he purchases the meat he prepares at his deli from the East Coast because "you just can't find anything like it anywhere here."
His signature menu item is a New Yorkstyle deli meat loaf sandwich, served hot, that he began making 20 years ago when he would help at a deli owned by his sister in his hometown.
Bread is another important ingredient in his sandwiches, with Beyer baking most of the loaves himself. Rustica sub, sourdough, wheat, seeded rye and hoagie are some of the varieties available. The bread isn't made just for the shop; customers can also pre-order whole loaves.
Beyer hopes to expand his menu to include a wider range of meats and breads in the future. He also wants to begin catering local events.
Despite his big-city approach, Beyer welcomes each customer with sandwiches prepared on the spot as if he were throwing a dinner party in his own home.
"I feel like they are coming into my kitchen, and I want to give them the best," he said.
Beyer had been a resident of Bella Vista for 15 years when he made the move to California and opened a pizza restaurant. He decided to return to northwest Arkansas two years ago.
When Teresa Jones opened Teresa's Cake Gallery & Gourmet Cookies shop at Highlands Crossing last year, Beyer stopped by to try her confectioneries. During that visit, Jones mentioned she was looking for someone to operate a deli at the same location.
"Here I am," Beyer told Jones. He was true to his word and opened the store about a month ago.
Backstreet Sandwiches is currently open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To find out more, or to pre-order a loaf of bread, contact Beyer at 426-9011.
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