Corner Deli cornering market, expanding to three locations

Trisha and Michael Rowland, owners of the Corner Deli & Pizzeria on Gilford Avenue, will soon be feeding customers at four corners of the Lakes Region. The couple, who also own and operate Gilligan's Restaurant and Sports Tavern in Moultonborough, recently opened a second Corner Deli & Pizzeria in Gilford, on Cherry Valley Road near Gunstock Mountain Resort and expect to open a third in Belmont, on Route 3 next door to Northeast Tire in April.

"We take risks," Trisha Rowland said. "Some people think we're crazy and I'm beginning to agree with them, she laughed. "But, we decided to take the chance when it came."

The Rowlands have owned an operated the Corner Deli & Pizzeria in Laconia, where they live, for the past seven years, but always wanted to expand to other locations. Two years ago, they got their chance when Trisha Rowland won the lottery. She said they invested the winnings in Gilligan's Restaurant & Sports Tavern on Route 25 in Moultonborough, which opened in November 2005.

Rowland said that she was "a little skeptical" when the property in Gilford, which had housed a string of convenience stores, became available, but has found "business much better than expected" since opening several weeks ago. Despite the proximity to Gunstock Mountain Resort, she said that the restaurant aims to cater primarily to local residents rather than rely on the tourist trade.

The Rowlands remodeled inside and out, installing paneled booths and polished counters. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner — all with table service, from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Along with the staple homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas that earned the original Corner Deli & Pizzeria its loyal following, the restaurant also serves an array of entrees, including pasta, chicken, steak and seafood. Rowland said that they expect to serve beer and wine later this spring.

Meanwhile, the Corner Deli & Pizzeria & Shooter's Tavern is slated to open at what Rowland called a "prime location" in Belmont soon. The menu will mirror those at the other locations, but feature a breakfast buffet on weekends. The tavern will include pool tables and arcade games. "Right now the building is gutted," Rowland said, "but, we're hoping to open in April."

Rowland traced the success of the growing business to the food. "We eat out a lot," she said. "We read a lot of menus and do a lot of research." She said that altogether the business employs some 20 people at its three locations, each of which supports its own payroll. Although the new locations operate in leased space, Rowland said that they were already contemplating the ultimate purchase of the properties.

As for the first Corner Deli & Pizzeria, Rowland said it has become even busier since its offspring opened.