Roger Holgreen, owner of Spanky's Deli in Bountiful, said a 93-day walk across America gave him the time he needed to think and realize what his dreams were.
In 1996, Holgreen helped his brother open the first Spanky's Deli in Farmington (that location closed in 2007). A year later, in 1997, he left for Omaha, Neb., where he participated in a 1,163-mile pioneer trek to Salt Lake City.
"I spent that time walking across the United States thinking up different sandwich combinations. I daydreamed of some awesome, juicy sandwiches," Holgreen said of those long days pulling a handcart, thinking about his future.
Holgreen came back home to Bountiful and opened his own Spanky's Deli -- with an expanded menu from his brother's original deli. In fact, both locations expanded their menus at that time. And Holgreen completely remodeled and decorated his new restaurant with a 1950s theme.
Their top-selling sandwich, the Basic Turkey ($3.99), includes choice of provolone, Swiss, pepperjack or American cheese and a selection of more than a dozen toppings.
Holgreen describes the Turkey, Bacon and Avocado ($5.49) as the deli's "signature sandwich," with fresh-cut avocados and lots of bacon.
"We really lay the bacon on thick," he said.
Holgreen also recommends the Four Meat Sandwich ($5.99), with pastrami, roast beef, ham and turkey.
"It's just an incredible sandwich," Holgreen said, adding that they use high-quality meats.
One of the deli's secret recipe creations, the BBQ Pot Roast Sandwich ($4.89), has just a little bit of spice in it. Holgreen said they run that sandwich as a Friday special and almost always sell out.
Customers also love the Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwich ($4.39).
Sandwiches are served on a choice of four breads -- sourdough, white, wheat and ciabatta -- delivered fresh daily by the Stone Ground Bakery in Salt Lake City.
For those who prefer a salad, Holgreen suggests the Chef Salad ($6.25), a bed of greens piled high with meats, cheeses and sandwich toppings.
"We really load it up," he said, describing it as a very large salad. The deli's ranch and Italian dressings are made from scratch.
For dessert, Holgreen offers Farr's ice cream in 16 flavors ($1.16).
SPANKY'S DELI
- ADDRESS: 567 W. 2600 South, Bountiful
- HOURS: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday
- PHONE: 801-294-6337