Local deli The Paper Bag has plans for a new location in Gainesville. It will take over the 1,500-square-foot space at 4780 NW 39th Ave, Suite 9. It previously belonged to a Starbucks. The spot is expected to open in January.
“We moved to Gainesville around four years ago and we went to a sushi place right near where the new restaurant will open, and I thought it was a really cool spot,” owner Richard Sterck told What Now Jacksonville. “Four years later, I drove past and saw it and I was like, ‘No way — I’ve always wanted a spot right here.’ The Millhopper area is booming and is busy with businesses and families of all different backgrounds and income, so I think it’s a good spot for the next deli.”
The Paper Bag offers a retro deli atmosphere, featuring toys and board games as well as a unique design. The menu includes breakfast items such as their French Toastwich and Momma Mia Eggs Benedict Spinarrito; signature sandwiches such as The Soprano (with cured salami, pepperoni, soppressata, capicola, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, vine-ripened tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red wine vinaigrette and an Italian hoagie) and Hey Antonio, It’s a Meatball (with meatballs, pepperoni, provolone cheese and an Italian hoagie served with hot marinara sauce); and salads. Beverage offerings include beer and wine.
“Our motto is changing lives one sandwich at a time,” Sterck said. “I always like to tell people that. When people come in, whatever mood you’re in, hopefully you’re leaving in a better mood with a sandwich in your hands and a smile on your face from our customer service.”
Moving forward, the team hopes to expand further. Sterck is eyeing areas like Jacksonville and Ocala for expansion.
“We want to keep it as local as possible and as family-owned as possible, but we’re growing and I want to do a melting pot of that and some corporate aspects,” Sterck said. “We want to keep growing and stay consistent, keeping our employees employed and paying rent and having fun with it. So we’ll keep expanding and having fun with it.”
