Familiar Faces Found at The Village Deli in Pinzone's Italian Village

Mary Ann and John Nelson have been an integral part of the  Fairhope for 42 years. They are the founders of Mary Ann’s Deli which is still thriving in the area today. They enjoyed building the business with the love and support of the community that they consider part of their extended family. Their original operation started out in what now houses Mr. Gene’s Beans Coffee and Ice Cream on De La Mare. Just a year after opening the deli, John opened a second location in the Springhill area of Mobile.   After the lease was up on the original location, the Nelson’s purchased what was a Gas Station on Church Street between Fairhope Aveune and De La Mare. The couple turned the old “Filling Station” into their new deli, incorporated a courtyard and added retail space on either side. 
After eight successful years in Mobile, John sold the Springhill spot and rejoined Mary Ann to focus on the Fairhope deli. They sold the deli in 2007  when they decided it was time to retire.
The Nelson’s enjoyed family and traveling for a short while but they were tired of being retired. When their daughter Regina informed them that she was going into business in Mobile, they  decided to offer their assistance and get back in the swing of things. They made the daily drive to Mobile for about three years and enjoyed being involved in the daily activeness of Regina’s Kitchen. 
The Nelson’s actually live right in the heart of Downtown Fairhope between what used to be Mary Ann’s Deli and Pinzone’s Italian Village. Pinzone’s Italian Village is one of the newer additions to Fairhope’s landscape - an actual footpath from De la Mare to Fairhope Avenue lined with Italian inspired culinary options. During the past year, the Nelson’s have gotten to know Chef Scott Dumas, executive chef and general manager of Pinzone’s Italian Village. John Nelson inquired about the Deli located within the Village and the couple negotiated an agreement to operate the Village Deli for Chef Dumas. They took the lead, came up with a menu and the Village Deli reopened March 1st of this year under the supervision of John and Mary Ann Nelson. The Nelson’s rallied thier faithful troupe of co-workers including Maiben Haas and Barbara Corte, whom have been by their sides since the beginning of their deli days.
The menu at the deli consists of a variety of sandwiches including a muffaletta, french dip, rueben, grilled cheese along with two signature sandwiches - the Villager and the De La Mare. Their featured salad sandwiches include chicken salad and tuna salad which can be served on whole wheat or rye bread, sour dough or a croissant. Salads to choose from are a garden salad, chef salad, spinach salad or the trio salad plate which allows you to choose from a variety of prepared salads complimented by fresh fruit with poppy seed dressing. A soup of the day is also offered.
To-go orders can be placed for pick up and the Village Deli also provides local delivery. You can also buy in bulk. Chicken, tuna, potato or pasta salad, cole slaw and fruit are available by the 1/2 pint, pint or quart. The Village Deli at Pinzone’s Italian Village is open Monday through Saturday from 11am until 2pm. The Village Deli @ Pinzone’s Italian Village, Downtown Fairhope (251) 929-3354