Good Times Deli solves all our bread-based dilemmas in one fell swoop.
Good Times Deli solves all our bread-based dilemmas in one fell swoop.
If you’re anything like us, narrowing down the slew of gourmet sando styles we’re spoiled with these days feels akin to picking a favourite cocktail… #computersaysno! From cold cut and cheese stuffed Italian subs to crispy Vietnamese Bahn Mi baguettes and NY style Reubens. And don’t even get us started on toasties! How do we even begin to choose? Well, get bready because Southport’s new one-stop-gourmet-sando-shop, Good Times Deli, is here to solve all our crust-based conundrums.
With everything from Nashville-style crispy Chicken Burgers to Reubens and wood-smoked Brisket Rolls gracing the menu, Southport’s latest is what sando dreams are made of. Bringing us the best sandwiches from around the globe under one satisfying roof, Good Times Deli is the bread-a-licious brainchild of a pair of blokes who share an entrepreneurial spirit and extensive hospo backgrounds. And basically, Southport’s sando – and by association, smoko – prospects have never looked better… or should we say bread-er.
Taking up residence on the fringe of Southport’s industrial hub in Bailey Crescent, the new grab-and-go style nosher is now tempting peckish passersbys with a selection of portable brekkie bites, gourmet smash burgers, and deli-style sandwiches and subs.
Owners Russell Maich and Chris Watson have long been hunting for a home for their latest venture, a casual-style sando haunt. Snapping up the corner tenancy, Russell and Chris were keen as mustard to add something new to the mix without straying too far from the site’s 30+ year history as an old-fashioned neighbourhood nosher. ‘We are staying true to that, but we have elevated the food and drinks while keeping the prices affordable and the meals large!’, they add.
We don’t know about you guys, but they’re ticking our boxes here.
When it comes to their latest endeavour, this pair of long-term chefs are putting their mortadella where their mouth is. Priding themselves on ‘putting maximum effort into the humble sandwich and burger’, the pair incorporate house-made components wherever possible. With everything from the glaze for the Bahn Mi to the supersized smash burger patties and sauces (hello, hot honey, our old friend #drool) all made on-site.
With CVs more stacked than their Aussie Burgers – if anyone can pull it off, it’s these guys. Cooking professionally from when they were but spritely teens, Russell who started in classical style restaurants, went on to helm kitchens across the UK, while Chris went from a 10 year stint in five star hotels to running some of the biggest surf clubs and pubs on the coast. At one time the duo also owned a ready-made meals company and food production facility. Talk about skills!
Taking all the culinary and biz expertise they’ve picked up along the way and channelling into their deli debut, we are beyond bready to get acquainted with everything the Good Times crew will be dishing up.
Serving an all-day eats menu, time is but a construct at this haus of deli-sh. If you’re feeling ravenous, wrap your laughing gear around a Reuben Sandwich, made with GT’s own thick cut beef brisket, corned in-house and topped with sauerkraut and American cheese – with a side of fries for max satisfacts. In the mood for something more brunch-y? The likes of the Deli Breaky Burger, made with cheese, crispy bacon and egg omelette, or the Corned Beef Hash, served with two fried eggs and tomato relish are ready and waiting to quell those cravings.
If you need a little thirst-quenching action, the espresso machine is pumping out the fresh brewed Merlo coffee daily. While signature, house-made iced coffee and iced Milo blends are on tap, ready to fuel your day in the most delicious ways. As far as our willpower is concerned – we’re officially toast here!
Where: 5/1 Bailey Cres, Southport
When: Monday–Friday, 5.30 am–2 pm, Saturday 7am–1 pm
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby