Dodgingtown Market & Deli — A Neighborhood Delight

Located near the intersection of Route 302 and Jacklin Lane, next to the Dodgingtown Fire House, Dodgingtown Market & Deli has served as the local convenience store in Taunton district since 1962, where the locals can grab that half-gallon of milk, or bottle of laundry detergent, on the way home. But since 1994, when George and Argero Hamilakis took ownership, it has increasingly become known for its superior deli offerings and customer service.

“We know three-quarters of the customers that come in here,” said Ms Hamilakis. “It’s a cozy, friendly atmosphere. We want to talk to our customers,” added her husband.

Prepackaged muffins and snack items are located handily close to the register, for clients on the go. But open at 6:30 am every day, morning customers find the tantalizing aromas of quick and tasty breakfast options hard to pass up. “Our best seller is the bacon, egg, and cheese on a hard roll,” said Mr Hamilakis, but many regulars customize the breakfast sandwich by substituting sausage, steak, ham, or even turkey for the bacon. The hard rolls, like all of the breads, the Danish, and the bagels used at Dodgingtown Market & Deli, are delivered each morning from New York City. Also popular is the two-egg western omelet, filled with ham, peppers, and onions.

“We’re happy to just fry up or scramble a couple of eggs for customers, too,” said Ms Hamilakis, adding that custom orders are not a problem. “We even do egg white omelets,” she said. Hash browns are a good accompaniment, but just this month, Dodgingtown Market & Deli has added its own specialty home fries, hand cut, and cooked on the grill with peppers and onions. “People love them,” said Mr Hamilakis. Fresh fruit is always on hand for a healthy addition, any time of day.

A good breakfast demands a good cup of coffee, and Dodgingtown Market & Deli is happy to accommodate with a convenient coffee bar featuring fresh brewed regular or decaf coffee, plus a flavored gourmet coffee every day. Flavored syrups are on hand to perk up that cup of Joe, at no additional cost. A self-service cappuccino machine makes a quick cup of the espresso-based favorite, and tea drinkers will appreciate boiling hot water and a choice of regular or decaf black tea.

Those who are not in a big hurry can find a seat at one of four small tables that separate the deli from the market area. Linger over the newspaper, or just people watch — the Hamilakises are happy to have you there.

Lunchtime customers choose from more than 30 deli sandwiches, prepared to order using Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, and roast beef cooked on site. Sandwiches are made on a choice of a hard roll, a footlong sub roll, white, wheat, or rye sliced bread, a Portuguese roll, or a white or wheat wrap. Prices range from $2.99 to $5.25 for a sandwich, a four-piece order of fried chicken is $6.25, or purchase six chicken tenders for just $6.25. French fries are $1.89 for a small order, or $2.89 for a large. Onion rings and curly fries are $2.39 for a small size, and $3.39 for a large size.

“Every lunchtime we do four to five lunch specials, as well,” said Mr Hamilakis, “offered at a discounted price from the regular items. It might include chips or fries, or onion rings, or fresh fruit as part of the combo.”

Slices of domestic ham, Genoa or hard salami, Coronado pepperoni, and Provolone cheese piled on with an option of additional lettuce, tomato, or onions — all at no added cost — make the Italian Combo one of the best selling items at lunchtime. Hamburger lovers like the extra-large 6-ounce patty that fills the bun, and homemade chunky chicken salad makes the chicken salad sandwich stand out. The Dodgingtown Market & Deli is also known for it gyros — shaved lamb, with lettuce and tomato in a wrap, served with a Greek tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber) sauce. The footlong hot dog or the red hot are other customers’ top choices, and in cooler weather, homemade chili or soup takes the chill out of the day.

For the health-conscious diner, Dodgingtown Market & Deli has a grilled skinless chicken breast served in a wrap with any additions the customer wants, or the Santa Fe grilled chicken breast in a wrap, with salsa, lettuce, and tomato. Also on the menu are a tossed green salad, and a chef salad made with mixed greens, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese.

The roast beef and chicken salad are not the only items made on site, though. Regulars know that the tri-color fusilli salad with roasted peppers, olives, pepper jack and Provolone cheeses is crafted by Ms Hamilakis in the compact kitchen. “We make a fresh fruit salad, and our own rice pudding, too,” she said. Like the wide selection of meats, cheeses, and roast beef available to buy by the pound, the homemade rice pudding is sold in bulk, for $2.99 a pound.

With a ten-door cooler dominating the back wall of the market, it would be next to impossible to not find the perfect soda, water, milk, or tea to accompany a meal. Dodgingtown Market & Deli is proud to include beverage options not found at most other delis: Orangina and Stewart’s sodas, among them.

Dodgingtown Market & Deli is pleased to provide catering, as well. Three, four, five, or six-foot subs are always a big hit, and are custom made, hot or cold. Ziti, lasagna, or macaroni and cheese can be ordered, and during the holidays, a mesclun salad mix tossed with feta cheese and toasted pecans is popular, said Ms Hamilakis. She also makes a spinach dip or warm seafood dip for parties, and is happy to work with customers to provide other items. “We’ll make anything, so long as we have the ingredients,” she said. Party subs cost approximately $10 per foot, depending on the ingredients, and comfortably feed seven to ten people per foot. Catering orders should be place 48 hours in advance of pick up, by calling 203-270-1678.

From a fast snack to a full meal, Dodgingtown Market & Deli provides quality food at competitive prices, with a friendly staff to help, said the Hamilakises.

“We are both from a Greek heritage, so working with food and the long hours don’t intimidate us,” said Ms Hamilakis. “Our lives are centered around food. You smell those aromas, and you know you have a good thing going.”

The Dodgingtown Market, 57 Dodgingtown Road (Route 302), is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 6:30 am to 5 pm. For takeout or for catering information, call 203-270-1678.