Downtown Napa’s Go-To Deli, Wine Shop and Market.
In June 2020, three months later than originally scheduled, owners Chuck and Carly Meyer and Michael and Claire Holcomb took a chance on opening First and Franklin Marketplace during the pandemic. A combination deli, curated wine shop, and market, it is downtown Napa’s first “fast in and out” fusion marketplace.
Holcomb and Meyer selected the space at 1331 First Street, at the corner of Franklin Street, to serve locals and visitors alike. Its proximity to downtown hotels and a plethora of businesses makes it an ideal “simple and quick,” one-stop-shop for made-to-order deli sandwiches, salads, and sides, as well as wine, beer, provisions, and gifts to go. As a business person who frequents more formal sit-down restaurants in Napa, Holcomb said, “I felt the need for something that people could quickly order and enjoy in the heart of Napa.” To make shopping easier, the team invested in an optimal online ordering, pickup, and delivery system. While First and Franklin Marketplace may resemble other small deli/grocery options in the Napa Valley, Meyer said, “Each deli in town has its own personality. We hope ours is welcoming and user friendly.”
As the sister market of Napa Palisades Saloon and Beer Company, the emphasis in the deli at First and Franklin Marketplace is always on quality. “The same care goes into the food, but it is a faster in and out experience by design,” said Meyer. Chef Tim Brown brings with him many years of education and experience. Originally from New York, Brown describes his culinary style as “West Coast style with an East Coast soul.” A classically trained chef who is also a former San Francisco deli owner for over a decade, Brown combines that expertise with his New York deli background to create a one-of-a- kind, approachable menu that appeals to customers of all locales.
A couple of customer-favorite deli sandwiches are Big Mike! – with prosciutto, mortadella, genoa salami, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, muffuletta spread, oil, vinegar – and Jankbot – with turkey bacon, avocado, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and smoked chili mayonnaise. For those who like to customize, the deli also has a Build-Your-Own sandwich. The menu also has amazing salads and several vegan and gluten-free items.
The team recruited their friend, Master Sommelier Desmond Echavarrie, to curate a wine shop with a variety of labels, both local and imported. Of course, in keeping with the idea of showcasing local products, most of the wines have a Napa connection, even if they aren’t produced in the area. “The idea is that we would focus on really cool wines that felt approachable to everyone’s budget,” said Meyer. “Many Napa vintners enjoy wines from all over the world and even have a hand in producing some of them. We want to feature those projects as well as wines made here in Napa.”
Being on the forefront of takeout and delivery technology, in unison with a focus on culinary excellence and consumer and employee safety every step of the way, First and Franklin Marketplace is poised and ready for the future, providing all with “a destination for affordable food and luxury consumables.”
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Article By: Elizabeth Smith
