By: Vita Duva
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Stephanie Turaj
Pick Pockets is a Newport deli that offers a variety of sandwiches to Salve students at a low price.
Whether it is your first or even your 100th time venturing into Pick Pockets, the atmosphere and the menu will never get stale. This small roadside deli is tucked alongside Newport’s historical cobblestone streets and unique array of restaurants, pubs and quirky shops.
The owner of Pick Pockets, George Barsom, deserves full credit for his successful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-themed deli. Business has been booming ever since he opened the deli alongside a close friend five years ago. Yet, Barsom’s priorities surely lay elsewhere. It is clear that he strives to guarantee satisfaction for each of his customers. Certainly true, considering the “regulars” have expressed that Pick Pockets is not nearly the same without Barsom standing behind the counter, apron and all. Another priority on the top of Barsom’s list: giving the students at Salve Regina University a better value for their dollar. Pick Pockets offers 50 percent off an entire purchase every night from 5 p.m. until closing at 9 p.m. However, this offer does exclude the infamous lobster roll and a “fat boy sandwich,” but everything else on the menu is certainly up for grabs. On Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, Barsom took a break from making his sandwiches, salads and one of a kind wraps, to talk with me about what it is like to own and work in the deli, his inspirations and future plans and the twists and turns that come along with it. Q: In comparison to other delis in the Newport area, Pick Pockets offers a very unique selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. What inspires that? A: I like to think we serve an overall healthy fair, but we also serve less healthy options, like the fat boy sandwich, because of demands from Salve students and the locals. We like to cater to everyone. Take a look at the sign for the fat boy sandwich — no one else has that. That’s picture worthy. Q: How have the tourists of Newport responded to your unique selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine? A: They love it! You can check out our reviews on www.yelp.com, which I believe we mostly have ratings of about four to five stars. Q: Do you have any signature dishes? A: Everything comes from homemade family recipes, and have been handed down for years. All of our ingredients are fresh. The chicken and eggplant combination sandwich is definitely a signature dish. The chicken has its own special marinade and then it is grilled. The falafel is also homemade. Q: How has offering a delivery option affected your business success, especially with Salve Regina University so close by? A: We can only deliver on certain nights, depending on if we have an extra worker in the deli. We encourage customers to call ahead. So, it definitely doesn’t hurt business, but other promotions work better for us. Q: Speaking of other promotions, I have noticed that you have a Facebook profile and fan page. How has it helped to promote Pick Pockets and the 50 percent off deals? A: What I like about it the most is that it gives Salve students a better value for their money. It is also an opportunity for customers to come in and try our product at a valued price, in which they then hopefully enjoy it and will come back again and again. Also, Facebook is free and then that way no money is being lost. It is beneficial for both parties. Q: Are there any other ways that you promote Pick Pockets? A: Sometimes flyers and menus are passed out on the street or left around Salve’s campus, but other than that we don’t do any other promotions. Q: What has been your most memorable moment working in the deli? A: There are certainly a few that come to mind. Once a woman wouldn’t leave the deli unless I agreed to kiss her. It was a little embarrassing; there were children here at the time. Every day is different, you never know who will walk in that door. Q: Has anyone famous ever walked into Pick Pockets? A: Yes, we’ve had celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Robert Hatch, the winner of the first season of the reality television show, Survivor. Q: Due to your success this far, do you have any plans for the future of your business? A: I am always thinking about expanding locations, but I like to ensure that every customer is satisfied. I can’t imagine not putting all of my time into this place. Q: Is there a meaning behind the name “Pick Pockets?” If so, who came up with the name? A: There is no real meaning behind it. There are even other establishments that have similar names. Such as, “East Side Pocket,” or even “Mr. Pocket,” which are both located in Providence. Everything available in these delis comes served in a pita pocket. Hence, customers can pick their own type of pocket. Interview was condensed and edited.
