Historic New Chicago deli set to reopen

New Chicago's latest restaurant is one of its oldest residents. 

Three Sisters Deli, which opened in the 1940s, will reopen with fresh renovations in December after recently receiving an Inner City Economic Development loan from the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County.
 
The EDGE Finance Committee approved three applicants this month, including Three Sisters Deli, Knowledge Quest, and South Memphis Alliance. The goal of the ICED loan program is to spark revitalization of Memphis inner-city neighborhood business districts through small forgivable loans to assist with building improvements and business expansion. 
 
Three Sisters Deli at 1392 Kney Street is owned by Larry Williamson, and when it reopens in early December it will be run by his two sons, Byron and Brandon.
 
“They grew up in the business,” said Williamson.
 
Larry’s grandfather started the deli in the 1940s, and Larry took over in the late 1970s. For the next 25 years, Larry operated the restaurant as the neighborhood around it deteriorated. He closed its doors in the early 2000s.
 
“The neighborhood fell, and I closed it down and went back to college at the age of 50,” said Williamson, who now works for Case Management Inc. overseeing children and youth homes outreach.
 
The property has sat vacant until now. The neighborhood is currently enjoying a revitalization over the past few years with new apartments and a golf under development.
 
The deli’s $18,946 ICED loan will help to help fund façade improvements, plumbing and electrical upgrades, interior restoration and HVAC installation of the 1,042-square-foot building. Total project costs are estimated to be $42,508. 
 
“Getting the EDGE loan was a miracle, a blessing sent from heaven,” said Williamson, who was connected to the EDGE program through the city's Renaissance Business Center.
 
The deli plans to serve its famous barbecued shoulder dog, which includes barbeque on a hot dog bun, along with hamburgers and fish sandwiches.
 
“We will have fish every day, and when you taste this fish you will think I have a pond or river in the backyard it’s going to be so fresh,” said Williamson. “And we have a seasoning that will make you slap your momma.”
 
Williamson hopes to provide a local dining experience and community meeting place for those in the neighborhood who have little access to prepared food options.