Bites Nearby: Brianna's Fine Foods

Mark and Jackie McDonald are the heart and soul behind Brianna’s Fine Foods in Northdale.

The neighborhood eatery at 4920 Newkirk Drive in the Newkirk Center features Boars Head deli products, catering and a full-service bakery that offers a wide selection of artisitcally-decorated cakes and desserts.

Brianna’s also offers monthly cake decorating classes to the public utilizing Wilton brand cake-making tools and techniques.

Patch foodie Gina Melton had the opportunity to sit down with this dynamic duo to talk about after nine years in business, what makes their deli stand out in the community.

Patch: How did you get started in the restaurant business?

Jackie: Mark spent 30 years in the restaurant industry, and wanted something of his own. He opened Brianna’s when we first started dating. Around that same time, I was laid off from my job and found myself around the store more and more, wanting to learn about the business and food preparation. Mark taught me so much and now, we are so in-tuned, he and I work like one person with four arms!

Patch: What do you like best about being a small business owner?

Jackie: We are a neighborhood place that caters to locals and families. It’s amazing how many people we have served food to and how many people come back as adults and tell us how they used to come to Brianna’s when they were kids. When Mark and I got married three years ago, there were probably 12 couples in attendance who were customers. We really treat our customers like family and I think that keeps them coming back again and again.

Patch: What’s the most challenging about running your own business?

Mark: Finding good help. This business is a passion for Jackie and I, and not everyone is going to share that passion or that attention to detail.

Patch: Jackie, you said that you are a picky eater—what is your favorite item on the menu?

Jackie: The Philly cheese steak. People tell us it’s the best they’ve had outside of Philadelphia. Mark is from Pittsburgh I think that has something to do with it. The chicken salad is also very popular--it’s Mark’s grandmother’s recipe.

Patch: What is the key to your success?

Mark: A strong work ethic. Both me and Jackie have always been the type of people who take pride in hard work. That comes through in our food. Customers can come here and expect to good food on a consistent basis.