Sink your teeth into a tasty Crossings Deli sandwich

Sandwiches that do not skimp on filling.

The Smokestack is thick with roast beef, turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise and is either served cold on a hoagie roll or served hot with Thousand Island dressing on the side.

In fact, every imaginable sandwich is offered at Crossings Deli – from pressed like the Engine #9, which is ham, pimento cheese, and bacon to deli classics like corned beef, to vegetarian specials such as veggie burgers and hummus wraps.

There are Philly steaks and gyros. Sandwiches can be custom created, with a choice of bread, toppings, and condiments. There are also salads, soups, and Greek items such as grilled chicken and feta.

During holidays, specials such as Polar Express – grilled turkey, cranberry sauce, and Muenster cheese – are available for a limited time.

Breakfast is provided during the week, with Iron Brew coffee roasted in Blythewood, and catering is offered for breakfast, lunch, and hot meals.

How did Crossings Deli get its start?

Ronya Gunter’s father owned a deli for many years, where she worked growing up.

Ronya eventually got a masters degree in hotel and restaurant management. Her husband, Brian, had his MBA and was in between jobs when her father decided in 2000 to build a small shopping center just off Interstate 77 to provide services to the many people working at nearby Providence Hospital Northeast, Midlands Technical College’s Northeast campus, South University, and Phoenix University – to name a few. Under the guidance of her father, the Gunters decided to open a deli in the new Crossings shopping center.

Ronya is on-site daily, greeting customers and running the business; their high school-aged daughter works afternoons after school; and their son, a middle schooler, helps out when needed. Brian takes care of accounting and office management, but left the deli full time two years ago to use his business skills in the hospital industry. Ronya says he misses interacting with customers.

What does the place look like?

With a railroad track directly behind the shopping center, the Gunters decided on a train theme for not only many of the deli sandwiches but for the decor. They put together large puzzles of various train scenes, glued them, and hung them on the walls, along with other railroad-themed signs and paintings.

A few puzzle enthusiasts also have completed puzzles for their walls.

The deli is open, with a walk-up order counter andserve-yourself drink station. Seating is available for 115, though many customers (about 35 percent) take out.

Who eats here?

White and blue collar workers, primarily, as well as students and professors at the nearby universities.

And while there are a few nearby residential neighborhoods, Crossings Deli has a loyal following from outside the immediate area, too. Customers from all over Columbia: Lake Carolina, Forest Acres, Irmo and other areas make the trek to the Farrow Road location for the food.