When Bob Thompson purchased the Midway Deli market in 1985, he had no clue what transformations were in store for the historic site.
Midway Deli, originally a grocery store and meat market founded in 1926, is now Norman’s hot spot for sandwiches, live music and former OU football coach Barry Switzer sightings.
Midway Deli still operated as a grocery store until 2000 when it started to transition into a sandwich shop due to competition with larger Norman grocery stores. The transition proved tough but things changed when OU faculty, staff and students started frequenting the place.
“In about 2013, we finally got discovered by the university, really by the Greek community,” Thompson said, “and it just took off.”
Thompson said it didn’t hurt that Switzer became a regular customer.
Midway Deli has been serving Norman since 1955. The restaurant has customers signed names all around its walls.
“Students would come in and see Barry, or they'd be in with their parents on a special weekend and the parents would meet coach Switzer. That helped a lot,” Thompson said. “He’s meant a lot for us just by being here, but getting the attention of the student body was a real key.”
Midway’s personal and intimate environment factored into its success. Thompson was raising his children when he bought the store, allowing him to bond with other couples in the area who shopped there. He got to know his customers, and it’s a trait he and his employees still value and practice today.
Thompson said when a customer walks in, they’re met with a warm welcome, and when they’re asked how their food is, it’s a genuine question.
Jordin Shaver, an assistant manager, said a great part of the job is getting to know Norman locals. Shaver said the close proximity inside the deli helps her see a more human side of the football players and coaches, such as Switzer, that frequent the restaurant.
“It's just nice because you get to know everybody and we're a smaller space, so you get to talk to them one-on-one,” Shaver said. “They're really curious about you, and you're curious about them.”
Midway Deli has been serving Norman since 1955. The restaurant has customers signed names all around its walls.
Thompson said his wife, Maricha, is one of the driving forces behind Midway Deli. She is the creator of many of the deli’s famous dishes, such as Maricha’s Gumbo and Mac & Cheese.
“She has a knack for finding recipes that are simple enough to have young people learn the recipe and repeat the recipe,” Thompson said.
Thompson grew up in a small town, so being around and talking to so many people was new for him when he started, but he grew to love it. Thompson’s favorite part of owning Midway Deli has been his contribution to the Norman community and the people he has gotten to know in it.
“I've had people come and tell me how much they appreciated that we had revived such an important landmark place,” Thompson said. “The thrill of it is that my success makes other people feel successful. It means something to them because of their connection.”
The deli will turn 100 years old in two years, and Thompson will approach 40 years of being the owner. Thompson had no idea the significance Midway Deli would grow to have in Norman. Years of dedication to both the shop and Norman has led Midway Deli to become a long-lasting triumph.
“For some 60 other years, other people sowed their seeds of life and we're pretty lucky to be able to harvest that,” Thompson said.
Midway Deli is located at 601 W. Eufaula St. and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley and Karoline Leonard. Grace Rhodes, Mary Ann Livingood and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.
