TEXARKANA - Local delis usually are busy this time of year, and the ongoing pandemic only increased the need for their services.
But they are stepping up to make Thanksgiving feasts a little easier.
Julie's Deli, a longtime part of the local scene, had both old favorites and different flavors. Executive Chef Jennifer Tanner called their cider-brined turkey a "superstar."
For more traditional taste, "we have our baked ham," she said.
Customers also asked for cornbread dressing and gravy, as well as praline sweet potato casserole. Traditional desserts included Southern pecan and pumpkin pies.
There were some deviations from the classic dishes, she said, with chicken spaghetti and chicken enchiladas proving popular. But overall "Texarkana seems to prefer the traditional this time of year," she said. "Next week, we start on the Christmas menu."
At Jason's Deli, customers were coming in Wednesday for one item in particular.
"They are after our pumpkin spice coffee cake for Thanksgiving," said Casey Bradford, general manager. "I tell you it is pretty good. They've been going pretty fast."
At the Albertsons deli counter, customer tastes leaned toward the traditional, with some seeking convenience late in the preparation game with time winding down.
"Home-style stuff," was popular, deli manager Mary Goblosky said. "The usual trimmings, cranberry sauce, potato salad, scalloped potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, stuff they can take home and heat up themselves."
Roasted turkey breasts, which they carve on site, were also flying out the door, so to speak, she said. Customers were opting "for the tried-and-true, pretty traditional this year."
Precooked meals - they have four variations at Albertsons - were also popular, she said.
Goblosky added the Christmas menu will include some more exotic options.
Stop N Shop Deli on New Boston Road doesn't do anything special for the holiday, though they do have turkey along with the other meats and cheeses they cut and sell every day.
And they will be open today.
"So if you need someplace to come to get something, come see us," said Rosaland Victor, deli counter worker. "Happy Thanksgiving and stay safe!"