Mindy B's Deli provides fresh lunchtime alternative

After four years as a personal chef, Mindy Benton decided it was time to try something new that might be more accessible for the everyday Chattanoogan.

"It seemed like people were shying away from the luxury of a personal chef, but people weren't shying away from dining out," she said.

photo Chef and owner of Mindy B's Deli, Mindy Benton stands behind the counter at her 828 Georgia Ave. restaurant. As the head chef, creator of the menu and the deli's front person, Benton said the quirky new deli is a true extension of her personality.

That realization fed the creation of Mindy B's Deli, a downtown lunchtime restaurant located at 828 Georgia Ave.

"This was something I wanted to do all along but wasn't ready to take that leap of faith," she said.

According to the chef, graduating from CreateHere's SpringBoard program helped give her the tools she needed for the deli's soft opening in December. Benton said she plans to host an official grand opening later this month in conjunction with a Facebook contest.

With a full menu of sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and deli-case favorites like potato salad or homemade pimento cheese, Benton said the simplicity and freshness of her food is what sets it apart most.

"I don't know of another deli in town that seasons and roasts their own meats," she said. "I'm hoping to grow a lot of my own produce this summer, and what I can't provide I'll continue to source locally."

Benton said she is a big fan of the mantra "Keep it simple, stupid," and is working to build a local Chattanooga clientele base without catering too much to tourists or expanding the menu beyond what is realistic.

"I'd love to become a Chattanooga institution with a lot of loyal local followers," she said. "Being independent really allows me to help cater to clientele. We can and will bend over backward to accommodate special diets."

The menu, Benton said, is a creation solely from her brain and is a true extension of her personality.

"I'm a quirky girl with a quirky menu," she said. "When you come to Mindy B's, you're going to get Mindy B. I front the restaurant and take all of the orders."

Service, quality and a fun, relaxing atmosphere are the things she said has kept her business successful so far and will hopefully help expand it.

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