Myka Gurvitz is creating a legacy for her children to build on for years to come. Eve’s Garden Deli recently opened in Lawrence, and is a first-of-its-kind business. The takeout-only restaurant is the only black-owned deli registered in the state of Indiana.
“I’ve been hearing some controversy that we’re not the first black-owned deli in Indiana, but we are,” Gurvitz says. “When we started thinking about doing this, I did my research. Being the first black-owned deli, this restaurant is very important to me, but it’s also important for my children. I want to be able to pass this on to them when they get older.”
Her four kids each have a namesake sandwich on the menu based on their likes of various sandwich creations. The sandwiches bear each child’s middle name. The menu includes several signature sandwiches, build-your-own salads, baked potatoes, soups, sides, smoothies and lemon punch.
What makes Eve’s Garden Deli unique is the shredded deli meat, unique sandwich toppings and various buns. The Gurvitz Supreme includes ham, turkey, fried sauerkraut, fried egg, and Eve’s sauce on a white bun. Another original family creation, Lamar’s Sweet Chicken, comes with sweet chicken, fried egg, tomato jam, cream cheese and Eve’s sauce on a Hawaiian bun. Just don’t ask what’s in Eve’s Sauce. That’s a secret Gurvitz isn’t willing to share.
The namesake Eve is a nod to the Gurvitz family’s Christian faith. The Lawrence North High School graduate says her faith is essential in her personal life and business life. Her faith implores her to give back to her Lawrence community.
“Lawrence Township has been so great to not only me, but to my kids as well,” Gurvitz says. “I’m very grateful for that. Even before we opened, we’ve had so much interest. We’ve had people calling, coming to the door and wanting to order.”
The Gurvitz family has a menu item named for each member, but they all work in the store together. They each have a role and enjoy operating their business together. Gurvitz originally started the business as a catering side gig, but quickly realized her dream of owning a brick-and-mortar location. She began testing her ideas on friends and family.
“We tested everything out on what we call the worst food critics around us,” Gurvitz says. “The only real criticism we got was to toast our buns, which is optional on our menu.”
Gurvitz’s mantra is “Customer satisfaction from the time you order until your last bite.” She hopes to provide that to each customer through takeout, delivery and catering. Long-term goals include opening more locations for each of her children to operate one day.
Eve’s Garden Deli is located at 6310 Oaklandon Road in Lawrence. For more information, visit evesgardendeli.net.
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