If you’re working in RTP, like most office parks, it’s hard to find good lunch and restaurant options! There’s a smattering of plazas in the area and one of my favorites is at the corner of S. Miami and TW Alexander Drive. Along with Pho 9n9, V’s Southern Kitchen and Gussy’s Place, you’ll find a small sandwich shop, Cheerz Deli! Now, I’m not much of a cold sandwich guy so delis are not usually my first choice. But a co-worker likes Cheerz so it was time to stop in for a lunch visit, twice to be exact. And I can tell you that Cheerz was a pleasant lunch experience…
Like most businesses in this plaza, the front is pretty non-descript from the outside but open the door and you may get a surprise. Here at Cheerz it has the traditional sandwich shop feel. A smattering of 2 and 4-tops along with a sandwich counter on the side. Cheerz offers up a handful of specialty sandwiches or you can choose from some classics like Italian, BLTs, ham, tuna and chicken salad along with some salads with most items under $10. Cheerz does primarily breakfast, lunch and catering so don’t try to stop here for dinner. They’re only open Monday to Friday, servicing the RTP work crowd.
I’m cheerfully greeted up front and put in my order for their “Crusher” sandwich (pastrami, corned beef, provolone, bacon) and skip out on the bag of kettle rosemary chips. Sandwiches at Cheerz are made to order in front of you taking a couple of minutes per person. You can also bling out your sammy with a choice of tomato, green bell pepper, banana pepper, pickle, olive, jalapeño, yellow onion, chickpea, and/or cucumber according to the menu. I get my Crusher sandwich wrapped up in white wax paper, pay the cashier up front and grab my fountain drink.
At the table I start unwrapping the sandwich, it’s a good 11″ long for the large. Cheerz bakes all their bread in-house (white or wheat) and it’s a pretty sandwich. Well stuffed with thin-sliced meat, layered with Russian dressing and served up warm. Cheerz does an excellent job putting together their well-stuffed sandwich and the combination of the two cured meats, bacon and dressing makes for a great bite! Definitely consider one of the signature sandwiches if you’re dining here, I’ll have to do the “Death Wish” next time. And while Cheerz isn’t fancy or eclectic, it does a very good deli sammich. Give ’em a try if you work in RTP or if you’re in the hood and looking for a quality lunch and sandwich!
Photos: The NEW Tobacco Road Sports in Raleigh!