Courtesy of The News-Banner
By Jonathan Snyder
A new lunch spot has officially opened its doors on East Market Street in Bluffton, where its owner has gone back to her roots early in life.
Carrie Williams originally went to college to become a hairstylist, and went on to work at Achieva Salon and Spa. While thrilled with the people and colleagues at her workplace, after a long period of time, Williams decided it was time for a change.
“It was very bittersweet for me, because for 17 years I loved Achieva,” Williams said. “I loved working there, I love the people … they were very loyal and supportive and a lot of them have become great friends. But the creativity wasn’t there anymore, I wasn’t excited about what I was doing. It took me a few years to figure out what to do.”
Williams decided to go back to her roots, when she worked at a sandwich shop in Put-In-Bay, Ohio, during high school. She described the experience as being her favorite job.
Williams said that when she first moved to Bluffton in 2002, there was not a lot of vibrancy downtown, planting the original seed to start the business.
This desire led to conversations with both family and friends about her business idea. Williams added that her former clients have been very supportive of Williams’ dreams. After a few years, Williams got a phone call about the 111 East Market St. location being up for sale.
Now called East Market Deli, the shop serves sandwiches, soda and other lunch items.
“It’s just one of those places that has always stuck with me,” Williams said. “There’s so many businesses and so many offices in town and there’s nowhere that offers lunch.”
Additionally, Williams desires to help the community just as much as the community has helped her. East Market Deli’s ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week was well attended by lots of business representatives and community members. Williams said that the excitement surrounding her idea has pushed her to get East Market Deli off the ground and make it something the community would love to have.
“I had so many people who sat in my chair (at Achieva) that I talked to about my ideas and they would give me feedback,” Williams said. “I got to know people in the community. It was hard when I first moved here to feel like I was a part of it, but I feel like now I am in the thick of things. I have never felt like I’ve had so much support in my life. I think we have one of the best communities here in Bluffton. I’m proud to call it home.”
Please visit The News Banner for the full article, and view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.