Alex Griffin and Stefanie Kisselburg
East Nashvillians will soon have another option for their sandwich cravings, as Eastwood Deli Co plans to open next month at 1896 Eastland Ave., the former site of The Wild Cow (which moved to 1100 Fatherland St. last year).
It’s a story that — while filled with personal stomach drops no one should have to endure — isn’t unusual for 2020. First, husband and wife Alex Griffin and Stefanie Kisselburg endured their East Nashville house taking a hit during the March tornado. Later that same month their income disappeared: Their catering company’s revenue dried up because no one was scheduling in-person events. Quickly, Alexander's Catering & Cafe 15 saw the business they had booked for 2020 disappear. Then, they lost the lease for the catering business’s space.
The couple first met while working in a restaurant (the old Way Out West Cafe on West End Avenue). Griffin, the chef, had always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. So, after mulling over their options and making their home habitable again, they decided to go for it.
“We hope this is what the neighborhood needs,” Kisselburg says. The menu isn’t completely set yet, but it is sure to have lots of favorites of their catering customers from over the past 15 years, including breakfast burritos, quiche and sandwiches. Many dishes will have hyperlocal names that are a nod to the neighborhood the couple loves. Expect a Shelby Hipster and Rosebank Roast Beef, for example. They’ll smoke their own turkey for lunch meats. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.
While there will be some indoor seating, everything, including premade salads and sandwiches, will be available grab-and-go, so you can take them to your favorite outdoor locale or back to your Zoom meeting.
Alexander's Catering & Cafe 15 made an effort to be as green as possible, including working with Compost Nashville to reduce its waste, and Kisselburg says they will continue their efforts to be good stewards of the planet.
Eastwood Deli’s exact hours are uncertain at this point, but Kisselburg guesses they will be 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, focusing on breakfast and lunch. In the future, brunch and dinner menus may be added. The couple’s target opening date is in early December.
