Don’t be fooled by the shiny bain-maries, Good Times Deli is not your average takeaway joint. Having owned food businesses together in the past, Russell and Chris were on the lookout for a new food-based opportunity when they spotted the well-known industrial cafe that has been perched on the corner of Bailey Crescent and Southport Nerang Road since the 80s. The high-traffic site immediately appealed to them thanks to its corner visibility and proximity to the nearby car dealerships and industrial corridor.
As a nod to the long-standing former venue, Good Times Deli will continue to cater to the grab-and-go crowd with a selection of ready-made sandwiches filling the cabinet alongside miscellaneous deep-fried goodness, Chiko rolls and wing dings. But that’s where the similarities end. The new full menu is made-to-order and meanders from all-day breakfast classics such as the ‘Deli Breaky Burger’ loaded with crispy bacon, egg, American cheese and tomato relish, through to deli-style sandwiches and loaded burgers that come in under $15. “The idea here is quality at an affordable price for the hardworking every day people and also something a bit fun and tasty for the locals,” Russell says.
Inspired by their globe-trotting adventures, the entire menu is peppered with culinary influences from around the world including flavours from Vietnam in the banh mi, America’s south in the Nashville chicken burger and Italian-style deli meats, to name a few. It’s almost impossible to pick a stand-out dish, with the crispy pork-filled banh mi, double onion smash burger and Aussie burger with the lot emerging as early crowd favourites, but it’s the Rueben that has tongues wagging, Russell tells us. Thick-cut corned beef, gooey American cheese with a swathe of house-made sauerkraut and a dollop of Russian dressing on toasted sourdough – it’s everything you could possibly want in a sandwich.
Those in need of caffeine will be well sorted with Merlo coffee beans flowing through the machines alongside iced lattes. For the non-coffee folk, the iced Milo on tap has been a real crowd favourite, inspired by Russell’s recent travels to Asia. While it’s still early days for Good Times Deli, the pair have plans to add some picnic-style tables to the grassy area so folks can linger a little longer and soak in the winter sunshine.
Good Times Deli is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening times.
