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Lenny’s, Sweet Peppers open in Laurel

June 18, 2008

Delis open in former vacant buildings

For several months, business decisions left highly visible buildings vacant. Visitors to Laurel getting off I-59 and traveling north on 16th Avenue/Hwy. 15 saw these buildings with no life. But, thanks to investors with two chains new to Jones County, these buildings have new meaning.

The local franchisee of Sweet Peppers Deli held their ribbon cutting and grand opening Monday. A huge crowd of people were on hand to see how a former pharmacy could be transformed into a gourmet deli. And, much to the crowd’s surprise, the restaurant was large and included flat screen television, outdoor eating, and several menu choices.

Brittany West and Ken West, forming Wild West Delis, LLC, opened Sweet Peppers Deli.

“We are happy to be part of our hometown’s growth,” Brittany West told the group of supporters.

Several elected officials welcomed the restaurant to Laurel. Supervisor Johnny Burnett acknowledge the West family’s contribution to the Jones County economy.

“We certainly welcome Sweet Peppers,” Burnett said. “The West family has contributed many jobs in Jones County and continue to do just that.”

Lenny’s Sub Shop opened in the former Wendy’s location just off I-59 on 16th Ave. in the past few days. One of the main gateways into Laurel from the interstate, the old Wendy’s was vacant for quite some time. Randy Martin, a partner in opening the Laurel location, said the former fast food eatery provided a perfect location. Martin is already involved with the two Lenny’s Sub Shops in Hattiesburg.

“We’re happy to be here,” Martin said. “Out of the Hattiesburg locations we were doing a lot of catering in Laurel already. We knew Laurel was a good market.”

Martin said the preparation of sandwiches and menu items is the key to making his eatery unique.

“Our sandwiches are sliced to order. We try to do bigger portions than the other guys. Everything is fresh; we don’t prepackage anything,” Martin said.