A new deli is coming to Memphis’ Edge District. Hard Times Delicatessen will soon open at 655 Marshall Ave, courtesy of friends and co-owners Harrison Downing, Cole Jeanes, and Schuyler O’Brien.
But this isn’t the trio’s first rodeo. Back in 2022, they launched the hugely successful local burger pop-up The Secret Smash Society, and each brings a wealth of industry experience to their latest endeavor.
O’Brien’s background spans various Memphis eateries, including Catherine & Mary’s, Hog Wild, and City Silo, where he manages food and beverage operations. Jeanes, a graduate of Missouri’s L’École Culinaire, owns and chefs at the newly-opened Kinfolk Country Kitchen. Meanwhile, Downing has extensive restaurant experience in both Denver and Memphis, including working under O’Brien at Hog Wild.
Downing told The Commercial Appeal that the deli’s name, Hard Times, stems from personal challenges the team collectively faced in the culinary world. “Cole and I… we both were just getting wrecked by the industry,” he explained. “It was a hard time for us mentally, and we just said, ‘Man, we need to do this for ourselves.’”
The deli itself promises a unique, upscale approach, blending the owners’ depth of fine dining expertise. Every item will be crafted by hand, with housemade sauces. The interior, designed by local firm cnct. design, will capture a traditional deli ambiance and feature a retail section offering Hard Times’ merchandise, according to The Commercial Appeal.
While targeting a late fall 2024 grand opening, the team remains confident about a 2024 debut should they miss the initial deadline. To stay in the know on all future updates, be sure to follow Hard Times Deli on Instagram.
