Paper Bag Deli Opening in Waldo, FL With a Drive-Thru
This will be the brand's first location with a drive thru.
WALDO, FL — Paper Bag Deli is targeting a June 1 opening at 15145 NE U.S. Hwy. 301, Waldo, FL 32694, where owner Richard Sterck is opening the family-owned concept’s fifth location with his wife, Maria Sterck, in a former Hardee’s building.
Sterck told Business Debut the Waldo restaurant will be the brand’s first location with a drive-through.
What to Expect
Paper Bag Deli offers a retro-leaning, fast-casual sandwich concept built around classic deli staples and house creations named after family members, movies and other inspirations, Sterck told Business Debut.
He said the Waldo location will keep the core menu intact while adding a full coffee bar with drip coffee, nitro brew and other options, giving this store its own identity within the growing brand.
Sterck said each Paper Bag Deli location has “its own little something different,” and described Waldo’s coffee program and drive-through as the biggest additions here. He said the restaurant is expected to seat about 48 guests, making it a little larger than most of the group’s existing stores.
Menu and Vision
Among the sandwiches Sterck highlighted is the new Burrata Balboa, an Italian-style sandwich with burrata, cured meats and house-made vinaigrettes on ciabatta. He also pointed to the Cuban, which features in-house roasted pork, bourbon-marinated pickles and mayo-mustard, telling Business Debut those are two of his personal favorites.
Sterck said his culinary background started with an early restaurant job as a dishwasher, followed by time in the Navy, culinary school in St. Louis and a catering business before he and his wife moved to Florida and launched the deli brand.
He said the goal has been to build a local, family-owned alternative in the sandwich space and to “change lives one sandwich at a time.”
Opening Timeline
The Waldo location is aiming for a June 1 debut, though Sterck said that timeline could shift depending on final construction progress. He said the outside of the former Hardee’s was in line for paint and touch-ups as the opening approached.
Hours
Sterck said the restaurant is expected to be open seven days a week. Current plans call for opening around 6 a.m., with closing likely around 5 p.m., though final hours are still being worked out.
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Ross McWaters