If you wandered Southlake Mall in the early 1980s, you know there was a restaurant called Subs, Salads, and Soups. Owned and operated by Empson Fogle and his son, the restaurant eventually left the mall and became Fogle’s. When they moved to Rock Quarry Rd. in 2006, the name changed to Empson’s Deli as a tribute to the founder. The popular deli is on the move this spring to The Bridges at Jodeco plaza, located at Chen Parkway in McDonough. Empson’s Deli will now have more space – 3,000 square feet – and will be able to offer more of the items that have been popular with their customers for over 40 years.

“Space was a big reason for the move,” said owner Jess Fogle. “It’s going to be so epic. We can do more, operate longer hours, and really grow here.”

One thing that has Fogle very excited is the ability to have a six-burner stove, which means being able to offer more of all kinds of soups. The seafood bisque, prepared by her father for every Friday’s meal services, is a staple for regular customers. The larger kitchen and the ability to have more equipment also means that the deli will be able to offer more hot sandwiches, like meatball subs and Cubans, as well as double batches of items like the always-popular seafood salad.

“Right now, we are sometimes sold out of the seafood salad before the doors are even open,” Fogle said. “People know they are getting fresh, real ingredients. Real shrimp, crab, and lobster.”

Empson’s was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and temporarily closed their store for several months between 2021 and 2022. When they re-opened, regular customers who became like members of the family rejoiced. Not only were they getting some of their favorite dishes back, but they were also reuniting with friends who never missed an opportunity to show them that they cared.

 “The other day we had a customer come in and she was clearly having a bad day,” Fogle recalled. “I took some time to talk with her and found out her husband was sick in the hospital. I think she just needed someone to show that they cared.”

The new location will be Tuscan-themed with wood beams. Fogle wants the atmosphere to be warm and inviting.

“I want it to feel like we’re giving you a hug when you walk in,” Fogle said. “If you’re having a bad day, come to your favorite place and we’ll turn it around for you.”

Fogle gets choked up when she thinks about all the people who have made the deli a special place to be over the years.

“The original location opened before I was even born, so some of these folks have known me for my entire life,” Fogle said.  “I don’t know how to tell everyone how much they all mean to me.”

By serving comfort food with the freshest ingredients and a side of love for the community, it is very likely that the customers at Empson’s Deli know exactly how she feels.

By Mike Boylan