A Google search and a trip to Colorado convinced owners Colleen Weber and Lisa Schuetz that the Phoenix Park Neighborhood needed a Smiling Moose.

Phoenix Park scores again. The downtown area, with its scenic riverside property and stylish new architecture, recently welcomed a new deli to the neighborhood. Hailing from Vail, CO, the restaurant – called Smiling Moose Deli – offers sandwiches, wraps, and soups, all served in an affably awesome atmosphere.

“We’re really excited to get things rolling,” said Colleen Weber, who, alongside Lisa Schuetz, purchased a franchise from the company in June. “The location is absolutely phenomenal!” After searching for franchises last year, Weber and Schuetz, both from Altoona, were immediately impressed with what Smiling Moose offered.

“We sat down and just started searching on Google,” Weber said. “We came across [Smiling Moose] and just thought, ‘Yeah, this is it.’ It had everything we were looking for – quality food, a fun environment, everything.”

The two were sent to Colorado for three weeks of one-on-one training, where they learned the basics of working the grill and register, as well as preparing the hefty variety of sandwiches. A few months later, a crew was assembled, a location established, and viola: Smiling Moose was open for the enjoying.

In reviewing the deli, I was assigned the (oh-so-strenuous) task of sampling the food: needless to say, I wasn’t too upset about it. The menu consists of sandwiches (both hot and cold), wraps, soups, and salads. Breakfast sandwiches and wraps are available, too, and they’re served all day.

After scanning over my options on the widely spread menu board, I decided to try the “Mighty Mo” – the deli’s signature, monstrously-sized cheeseburger grinder. Stacked with half a pound of chopped, tender sirloin and topped with melted American cheese, tomatoes, banana peppers, red onions, and lightly spotted with oil and vinegar, it was delicious enough to (almost) sprout antlers from my head right there on the spot. Capital ‘P’ phenomenal.

 

"The Mighty Mo"

One of the wraps available is the Harvest Wrap, with seasoned chicken breast, dried cranberries, spicy pecans, and romaine lettuce combined with the deli’s own Orange Rosemary dressing; another choice is the Lodo Veggie, packed with artichoke hearts, red peppers, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes, all enmeshed with Swiss cheese and pesto mayo.

Four to six soups are available daily: cream of tomato basil (amazing), chicken noodle, hearty vegetable, and spicy chicken enchilada. Aside from that, the deli offers a full-service coffee bar and wireless internet.

Delivery is also available for orders $75 and above, Weber said. A pick-up window, which would allow patrons to call and order ahead of time and pick up their food, is close to being completed.

In addition to the delectable menu, the environment inside is casual and cozy. Almost a quarter of its walls are windows facing Madison Street, giving a clear view of Phoenix Park and the mighty Chippewa.

There are booths, tables, and barstool seating, making it an ideal spot to grab a sandwich and relax.