Hickory Kist Deli: Clint’s Place
At first glance, Hickory Kist Deli in Provo looks like just any other sandwich place; a menu of sandwiches largely plastered on the wall with cleverly made up names, a flat screen TV tuned into ESPN, and wooden tables and chairs crammed into a snug space. But this sandwich place is much, much more. First off the food is fantastic, but I’ll get to that later.
I went in yesterday to try it out for myself because I have heard good things about it. I figured I would chat with the owner while I was there to get a better feel for the restaurant. I expected the owner to be an entrepreneur around my dad’s age, wearing khakis and a polo. I could not have been more wrong.
The owner, Clint Betts, is a 23 year-old Utah Valley University student studying Philosophy. Betts told me his plan has always been to go to law school, but last fall he altered his life plan. After managing Hickory Kist for about a year, Betts fell in love with the deli and bought it in November 2007. Betts has maintained the great quality sandwiches that Hickory Kist has a reputation for, while giving the store a more fresh and casual feel. He ripped off the cute quotes on the wall and put up The Beatles and The Godfather, nicknamed his store “Clint’s Place” to give it some character, and added more options to the menu by making specialty sandwiches with creative names. As Betts says, “we do all the same things, we just do more now.”
At “Clint’s Place” you can build your own sandwich or choose one of Betts creations. I opted for “The Brookster” and I was not disappointed. In fact, my lunch partner tried to steal as many bites of mine as she could. I almost opted for “The Clinster” which Betts says, “one bite and you’re hooked!” I think my favorite part of the sandwich was the bread. That might sound weird but trust me, it is deliciously moist and thick. Honestly, nearly every specialty sandwich sounded enticing.
From the time I ordered my sandwich till I began eating was under five minutes. And not only was the service quick, but the staff was so friendly. And Betts was the one behind the counter taking my order and making my sandwich. Very impressive!
At http://www.clintsdeli.com, you will find the entire menu Hickory Kist has to offer. You can even order your sandwiches online and drop by to pick them up. There is even a place on the site to post comments, ideas, or quotes.
If you get the craving for a quality sandwich, stop at Hickory Kist on Center Street in Provo for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And when you do, take a second to chat with Clint…he’ll be the unassuming owner behind the counter making your sandwich and smiling the whole time.
You’ll find Clint’s Place at42 West Center Street in Provo. Give them a call at 801.373.9939. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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Comments
THE RUMORS ARE TRUE- about the amazing food at Clint’s Place, I mean. I went to the Hickory Kist in Provo once before it was actually Clint’s Place. It was nice, but Clint gave it an amazing make-over!! The service is fast, the employees are friendly, the restaurant is clean, and Clint is great. My favorite sandwich is the “Veggie Hendrix,” but i know the Clinster is a very popular choice.
Way to go, Clint’s Place!
Hickory Kist Deli has been my favorite sandwich shop for years. When I heard there would be a new owner and that there were going to be some changes I was skeptical. However, after continuing to eat at the new Clint’s Place, I couldn’t be more pleased with the new atmoshpere and menu options. I love still having the option to build my own sandwich just the way I like it, but just as delicious are the new specialty sandwiches…my personal favorite is the Clinster. With the new atmoshpere, top quality ingredients and toasted honeybutter bread, the sandwiches at Clints Place are the best in Utah Valley! Thanks Clint for providing an awesome product!
-Josh
I also agree with the author, the bread is great!!!! It is not over baring, it’s perfect. I love going to eat at Clint’s it has a nice personal feel to it. All the employees are awesome!
.Lauren.
Let me share a little secret…
The Veggie Hendrix is simply the best vegetarian sandwich I have ever had. I suggest going with the honey butter option. Holla!
Steve Ballif
Unquestionably the best sandwich in Provo. The bread is thick and hearty and the sandwhiches are loaded. I easily get full on half a sandwich. For almost two weeks straight I was eating a Karen’s Isis (ham, cucumbers, feta cheese, avocado etc) everyday. Some of my other favorites are the Brookster, P-baby Philly, and Betsy’s Deli Delight. I tried the deli salad the other day for the first time and it’s amazing.
But it isn’t just the food that makes Clint’s Deli appealing. It’s located in downtown Provo – a much more pleasant experience and environment than stopping at a strip mall for a Subway sandwich. The shop is cozy with a modern feel and an old fashioned charm. I can sit and eat and watch CNN on the flat screen, and peer out onto Center street through the big old style windows. And of course Clint himself and his sister are there taking your order and making your sandwich and they feel like friends. You’re not going to find a more satisfying sandwich or a more pleasant experience anywhere else.
I’ve fallen in love with Clint’s place. Mallory was spot on. A great selection of excellent sandwiches, or build your own creations. Recently they’ve added smoothies to their r’epertoire. They are awesome! It seems like they are really dedicated to keeping the place fresh with new ideas, while holding on to the old ones we all love.
I was a skeptical when I heard that Hickory Kist Deli was going through an overhaul under Clint’s ownership. What could anyone possible do to make an awesome deli even better? Well for starters the atomosphere is subperb and the food is even better than before. With smoothies to top it all off you can’t go wrong with Clint’s Place!
I am the proud manager of Clint’s Place. I too agree that since the new ownership the place has only gotten better! There is always such a great atmosphere in the deli and such nice people, it makes it a great and happy place to work. The employees here are extremely nice and friendly and the food is even better. Personally i like to build my own custom sandwich, that i eat pretty much everyday, but i have tried all the specialty sandwiches as well and all are very good. My favorite being Dylans Desire and Karen’s Isis. I am also in love with the smoothies, i never thought they would be so good, they are definitely up there with jamba! As everyone else said, it’s the bread that seperates if from the rest, it is amazing! I love to just eat the bread toasted with honey butter!
I have always been a sandwich gal and these are amazing! The bread is amazing and the sandwich sizes are perfect. My favs are the Clinster and Dillon’s Desire. I also love the soups, they are always delicious and perfectly seasoned. Favorite sandwich place, hands down!
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I am a frequent customer at clints deli. I agree with the author; the home-made bread is what does it for me! I also like how you still have the option to build your own, or you can choose from the amazing specialty sandwiches. The Clinster and the Baller are my favs!
I heard Clint is going to open up another deli in the OZZ building as well – does anyone know if these rumors are true? …That would be sweet!
-Gundy.