Just how much do customers love the chicken salad at McCabe’s Gourmet Market in South Bethany?
One hundred pounds’ worth. That’s how much of the classic summer treat McCabe’s makes on a typical summer weekend. That’s a lot of chicken – which is seasoned just right and chopped daily by hand at the popular Route 1 deli.
Owners Rebecca and Richard Mais have overseen the making of the chicken salad – and myriad other delectable treats – at McCabe’s since 1987. The land was inherited from Rebecca’s grandparents, from whom the store got its name. McCabe’s was modeled after a favorite deli in South Carolina, where the Maises had worked in college administration.
Looking back on McCabe’s years of success, Rebecca muses that “I can’t believe how many years have passed.” McCabe’s has flourished now for more than 20 years, gaining a reputation for its fine sandwiches, salads and breads. The key to that success, Rebecca says, is quality ingredients. Just like the simple chicken salad recipe, the store’s other specialties are made with top-notch ingredients from suppliers the Maises have come to rely on.
Richard Mais is the baker in the family, according to Rebecca. “He likes to stay in the background and do the baking,” she says. All the baking – whether it be French baguettes, croissants, cinnamon rolls or bagels – is done on the premises. Gourmet coffees complement breakfast or lunch treats. Deli meats are the finest around, and a line of imported cheeses is unrivaled in the area. In addition to its wide selection of hearty sandwiches and salads, McCabe’s also offers party trays perfect for beach celebrations. Gift baskets can also be custom made and shipped anywhere you desire.
Foodies will delight in the selection of gourmet salsas, pasta, cooking oils and the like, as well as gadgets, decorative items and cookbooks that make perfect gifts.
The Maises’ two sons, Brandt and Peter, grew up in the business, and many employees return year after year to work for the family. “We’ve had a marvelous staff,” Rebecca says.
The couple strongly believe in giving back to the community that has blessed their family. Both Richard and Rebecca have been very active in the community, particularly in the River Soccer Club, which serves hundreds of southeastern Delaware children. Richard is also an active member of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
McCabe’s is open during the summer months from 7am to 7pm Sunday through Thursday and 7am till 9pm Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call McCabe’s Gourmet Market at (302) 539-8550. The market remains open through the end of December, from 7am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays in the off-season. |
