For Further Information, Please Contact:
Rosalind Katz (404) 843-2803
My Friend's Place deli finds Ridgeland spot
The first My Friend's Place deli outside Georgia is now open at Trace Station shopping center in Ridgeland.
The deli, owned and operated by Hal and Polly Lott of Jackson, is known for its chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad made fresh daily.
Hal Lott left behind his job as sales representative for Ewing & Ray structural foundation repairs and Polly Lott gave up her work as a dental hygienist to open and operate the business. They got the idea to open a deli from Hal Lott's father, Charlie Lott, who is among five partners developing the shopping center at Jackson Street and U.S. 51.
"Dad did the selection of tenants for the center," Hal Lott said. "They wanted to put a deli in this location. They were looking for food that could be healthy for you and taste good."
Charlie Lott learned of My Friend's Place from family friend Martha McIntosh of Atlanta, a former Jackson resident who writes the "Ask Away" column that appears each Wednesday in The Clarion-Ledger, Hal Lott said.
Roz and Dave Katz of Atlanta started My Friend's Place deli in 1980 with the desire to create a successful business while raising two children. They took out a second mortgage on their home and relied on friends' generosity and named the deli My Friend's Place to honor them. There are now 28 My Friend's Place delis in north Atlanta and one in Augusta, Ga.
Bobby Dye of Madison, owner of the wealth management company known as Dye Resource Management, said he's tried the chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad as sandwiches and served atop lettuce.
"The food is fresh tasting and very healthy," he said. "The atmosphere is good, and there's easy access in and out of the center."
My Friend's Place is a family affair, said Hal Lott, noting his son, Hal Michael, 18; daughter, Alex, 15; and sister-in-law, Tricia Lott, work there, too.
The restaurant seats 83 inside, and there are plans to add seating outside, he said.
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (601) 605-2770.
