The way Craig Zirkelbach figured it, if he was willing to drive 90 miles for a sandwich, there must be something to the Schlotsky’s concept. So when Zirkelbach and Rick Roubik, his colleague in the marine accessory business, learned that the Lexington territory was available for setting up a Schlotsky’s deli, they jumped at the opportunity.

Their timing couldn’t have been better. Just after selecting an outparcel site at Fayette Place (located at the corner Nicholasville Road and Tiverton Way), word came that Wal-Mart and Lowe’s would be setting up shop just across the street at South Farm Marketplace. In fact, a new road cut for the South Farm development empties out right at Schlotsky’s door.

"It was kind of the ‘cherry on top,’" Zirkelbach says of the Wal-Mart/Lowe’s announcement. The deli is the first in Lexington for the Austin, Texas-based company, which prides itself on its bread. "The bread is definitely what makes Schlotsky’s," observes Zirkelbach. "It’s all made fresh daily, with no preservatives. We have wheat, rye, jalapeno, cheese sourdough... It has a high water content, so it’s not like a regular bread - it’s real light and airy."

Though they are only two months into their initial operation, Zirkelbach and Roubik are already eyeing expansion. "We plan to open two more (in Fayette) within the next two years, and we’re looking outside Fayette County also," Zirkelbach says.

Schlotsky’s is open from 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday and remains open until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hotels Find Room for Opportunity at HamburgWhen a one-million-square-foot power center goes up along a major interstate route, it’s bound to garner a bit of attention. Accordingly, the development of Hamburg Pavilion’s shops and restaurants have some of the nation’s top hotel chains snapping up property all around the area. In addition to a Marriott Courtyard and a Marriott TownePlace Suites being built in the vicinity, the Hilton chain has selected a Hamburg site for its new Garden Inn concept. Aimed at business travelers and weekend vacationers with prices in the $80-85 per night range, the new 100-room hotel is expected to be complete by February of next year.

Choice Hotels, which operates the Quality Inn and Comfort Inn chains, is establishing itself in the area as well, aiming for the economy market. Choice’s Sleep Inn hotel will feature 108 rooms, priced around $55 per night. It is also expected to open in February.