East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY- Al Damron and his wife, Vickie, have opened a new restaurant here called Palace Meats and Deli, located at 847 Main Street on July 13, 2020.

Excitement was as thick as the delicious smells floating in the air of the newest eatery in town during their grand opening. The lunchtime crowd were eager to sample some new tastes offered on the limited menu. It's a tough time to open a new restaurant with all the restrictions caused by COVID-19, but the Damrons have forged ahead and made it happen.

The couple are not new to the restaurant business, having owned the former Up and Up Tavern, just across the street from Palace Meats, for nine years. They sold that business in 2002, and Al went to work at Amazon Jack's in Lewiston for a year. He is now happy to be back in Pomeroy offering up his made-from-scratch sausages, sauces and salads.

Damron says that his goal is to "make a good quality product." On the menu are eight sandwiches to choose from, utilizing Damron's homemade sausages, pulled pork, smoked turkey, smoky braised tri-tip, and house-made bacon. There are also side salads, and a "Super Salad" offered. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are available, as well as a Kid's Menu for 12 and under. The sandwiches are all served on fresh artisan bread straight from the Walla Walla Bread Company, chosen by Damron after an extensive search of bakeries in the area. Damron will also sell his sausages and bacon a-la-carte. They are keeping the menu simple for now, but plan to add more items at a later date.

At the front of the building, there are two doors right next to each other. The door on the left is the entrance to Palace Meats and Deli, whose name comes from the history of the building itself, built in 1909.

-EW photo by Connie Boyer

Al Damron, owner of Palace Meats and Deli, pictured, gets a chance to talks directly to customers through the kitchen window while preparing lunch specialties.

Originally the building housed the Palace Store on the left side, which sold clothing. Adjoining it on the right was Fox's Photographic Studio. In 1922, there was a cleaning business on the left, and Brashear's Hat Shop on the right, which later became Allie Powell's Millinery and Hat Shop, and Helen Brown's women's clothing. Much later the building was the home of Metro Antiques and Stuff, and in 2008 an art studio.

The Palace Meats and Deli is truly a family business, with Al in the kitchen, assisted by son Nathan Walker and his girlfriend, Courtney Hunter, who also waitresses. Vickie Damron helps at the counter, and they are hopeful that granddaughter Paisley Walker will join them soon. In addition to family, Maria Thayer serves as waitress and takes front counter orders.

Dine-in service is currently available, but seating is limited due to social distance requirements. A sign at the door states that masks are required, but can be removed once seated. Carry-out service is also available, and orders can be phoned in ahead of time.

Palace Meats and Deli is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can call 509-254-1629 for information or to place an order.