BY Jeanni Ritchie
I’d stopped by Schlotzsky’s for a quick lunch one afternoon when I noticed the cake and balloons.
“Oh, is it your birthday?” I’d asked Ms. Alice, the employee behind the counter.
“No, it’s my one-year anniversary with the restaurant,” she replied. She was excited—and on her way out as her shift had ended—but instead stayed long enough to take my order.
I held the door as she took her balloons out, marveling at what I’d just seen. I go to a lot of restaurants, but this was my first time to witness a milestone employee celebration. The Alexandria Schlotzsky’s became more than a restaurant to me that day—it became a community cornerstone.
Waiting on my food, I looked around. It was decorated for the season. There was a community board with business cards and flyers, even a thank-you card from Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
There were games. Chess, checkers, Chinese checkers (I loved that game as a kid!), Connect Four, Chutes and Ladders, Backgammon… You could spend a whole afternoon just snacking and playing games here!
The menu is always a little tricky for me. I go for a sandwich or a pizza, but those cinnamon rolls chant my name as I try to order. It’s a dilemma, for sure!
My favorite is the Pepperoni and Double Cheese Pizza, but sometimes nothing beats a soup/sandwich combo. A half Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich with a Loaded Baked Potato Soup… or a half Club Sub with Tomato Basil Soup… perfect for any season.
Beyond the signature pizzas and soup-and-sandwich combinations, Schlotzsky’s also offers sandwiches, flatbreads, calzones, meaty meal deals, fresh salads, mix-and-match options, kids meals, sides, chips, desserts, and a full beverage selection—making it easy for everyone in the group to find something that fits their craving.
And, of course, those tempting Cinnabon offerings sitting right atop the order counter. Even if you choose to forego savory for a sweet treat, there’s still a difficult decision ahead. Try the Caramel PecanBon or Center of the Roll cup. You know that’s the best part anyway!
Schlotzsky’s has dine-in, drive-through, express delivery, and catering. The catering menu also includes breakfast items. In store, they offer $5 pizzas after 5 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Schlotzsky’s Deli is located at 959 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria and is open seven days a week from 10 AM–9 PM. For more information, call 318-445-3354.
