Whiteway Deli changing ownership

[Adam White]

It might not be for the worse, but this does make me sad:

Whiteway Delicatessen has been a Jacksonville institution on King Street since 1927, but a change is in the works. No, it's not going anywhere, but Salem has sold it to Scott McAlister, who owns three bars a block up the street. McAlister bought the name, the business and the building, which also includes Unique Uniforms and Sweet Theory Baking Co.

McAlister said he's not changing anything, and Salem has promised to work part-time for a couple of months to ease the transition.

"It should relieve people to see me still here," he said.

But it will be the first time in more than 50 years that a Salem has not been running Whiteway Deli. During that time, it's evolved from being more of a grocery store into being a full-fledged sandwich shop. More importantly, it's become as much a community, a gathering spot.

The place first opened in 1927 down at Whiteway Corner, at the intersection of King and Park streets. Salem's father, Paul, bought the business in 1962.

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2016-09-16/story/whiteway-deli-changing-hands-after-40-years-new-owner?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_The_Florida_Times-Union