by MATTHEW NASH
Sequim Gazette
After looking for the right eatery to fit their taste buds, father-son team James and Joe Jeffko feel they have the right mix.
They opened Fresh Mix Grill & Mart on Dec. 7 across the parking lot from the Co-op Farm & Garden. The breakfast and lunch eatery offers an array of custom sandwiches and salads along with homemade just about everything from soups and chili to lemonade and iced tea.
James said he’s wanted to do his own lunch place for a long time.
“I love cooking for other people and seeing them enjoying it,” James said.
The family refurbished the inside of the former convenience store, which they feel creates a personable atmosphere that people can’t help but embrace.
“Most customers order takeout, but plenty of people who sit in enjoy it here,” James said. “The best compliment is people talking and then they go quiet when we serve them their food.”
James and Joe’s goal with the deli is to offer a local variety of the highest quality food for a good price.
The elder Jeffko said the fact that they use Pane D’ Amore breads, Isemio’s Sausages from Seattle, and fruits and vegetables from Sunny Farms is part of what sets them apart. They also hand-cut steak from the muscle and all meat and cheeses come in as a whole.
All sandwiches come in regular and large sizes with generous portions.
“I’ve made several things that I’ve never thought to make,” Joe said. “We can make anything if we have the ingredients.”
Part of their planning is to include a special every day and incorporate e-mail and Facebook more to promote them.
Their most popular meals include a sausage sandwich for breakfast and a cheese steak sandwich for dinner. Joe likes the pulled pork sandwich, which is smoked at the restaurant. James likes the cheese steak with green peppers and onions.
The deli has a handful of seats but when the weather warms up they plan to offer outside seating.
Business has grown in the month since they’ve opened, mostly from word-of-mouth, they said.
Some regulars have included them in their routine since day one, including a few husbands who buy meals for their wives. The Jeffkos moved to Sequim in 2004 from Wenatchee. James, a licensed massage practitioner, continues to operate Sequim Massage in conjunction with the new deli. Joe cooked for the Red Lion in Port Angeles and continues part-time work at the Sunland Cafe.
They are planning a grand opening in the coming months.
Due to their location next to a Shell gas station, the owners of Fresh Mix often are often mistaken for the station’s operators, but that is run by the Co-op. Fresh Mix does sell a Shell gift card for gas if needed.
Contact Fresh Mix at 681-5124.
