The owners of Jason’s Deli decided to try something new in their Layton location, revamping the menu and décor in a quick seven-day turnaround to introduce Mejor Que Nada.
Deli Planet, based in Las Vegas, owns 10 restaurants. Nine Jason’s Deli locations dot the Western states; Mejor Que Nada is the company’s first contemporary Mexican eatery.
James Meadows, executive vice president of operations for Deli Planet and a resident of Las Vegas, said he designed the menu himself, based on more than 20 years of restaurant experience and a decade of working as a chef.
“All of the food is really healthy and unique. It’s my version of traditional Mexican food,” Meadows said.
For example, one of the most popular menu items, the Chicken Enchilada Suizas ($7.99) are made with white corn tortillas, roasted chicken, spinach, cheese, sautéed onions, tomatillo crema and a secret spice to give them a distinct flavor. They are served with cilantro rice and black beans.
“I want to be known for having the best burritos,” Meadows said.
Some of the more original options include the Teriyaki Steak Burrito ($7.49), Baja Fish ($7.49) and the Thai “Satay” Chicken Burrito ($7.49), made with roasted chicken, cilantro rice, cabbage, noodles and spicy peanut sauce rolled in a spinach tortilla.
Many of the flour tortillas used in the entrees are made in-house and from whole wheat. “We don’t use any lard,” Meadows said. He added that the majority of the dishes are gluten-free.
The restaurant also strives to have a family-friendly atmosphere, offering one free kids meal per paying adult on Saturdays.
The salsa bar includes 10 house-made salsas. The restaurant provides free salsa, margarita and tequila classes to share tips and recipes. Customers may sign up by visiting or calling the restaurant.
The joke at the restaurant, Meadows said, is about how empty its massive freezer is — everything is made fresh, so almost nothing is frozen.
Mejor Que Nada also offers catering, with its street tacos ($5.49), soft corn tortillas with grilled steak, chicken or pork topped with diced onions, cilantro and roasted tomato salsa.
MEJOR QUE NADA
Address: 1938 Woodland Park Drive, Layton
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week
Phone: 801-773-3024