The Beach Hut Deli, one of Campus Pointe’s planned establishments, is preparing for a special grand opening toward the end of April.
One of the business partners involved in the development, Sammy Franco, said he got involved in the deli franchise after visiting and eating at a Beach Hut Deli in Natomas, California.
“I had one sandwich, and I was hooked. I asked if there was franchising information, and the rest was history,” Franco said.
Franco and his wife will be working together as owners and operators of the new deli. They have been with the business for a year and a half working to open a location in Fresno. The Beach Hut Deli was founded in 1981 with locations in most of Northern California.
“We truly believe that Campus Pointe is the next power center in Fresno,” Franco said. “This area needed something like this, and we wanted to make sure that we capitalized on this opportunity to be a part of something so special.”
Franco described the deli as “a fun, relaxed and light-hearted place.” Franco said The Beach Hut Deli will be a good place for anyone, from parents to students, to come and eat.
The deli will have TVs, music and offer full bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with its variety of sandwiches that range from four to 12 inch sandwiches.
One popular specialty sandwich on the menu is called the “Surfin’ Bird.” It is a turkey, bacon and avocado sandwich with cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard and a variety of veggies.
The menu will include healthy options such as a selection of veggie sandwiches on 100 percent whole-wheat bread and some seasonal soups.
There will also be a variety of salads, such as “The Super Salad,” which is made with quinoa, edamame, red onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and feta cheese. The deli will offer catering and delivery services for customers.
“Their menu has a lot to choose from, so I think it could be a nice place to eat,” said Natalie Nigg, a Fresno State junior. “I think the menu options differ from other places on and around campus, which adds to the variety of places students can go to eat and relax.”
Franco said he plans to have one more franchise open in Fresno and have two more throughout the rest of the Central Valley.
“We want to get this one up, running and under control,” Franco said. “It’s going to be a monster.”