Mr. Takeout Caters to Its Customers

Mr. Takeout Grill & Deli, 54 Haverhill Street, Andover, specializes in a wide variety of lunch and dinner options. Although its doors opened this past August, it is actually a transformation of the Grocery Bag, a convenience store which has served sandwiches to its customers for over 30 years.

Andover resident George Howie took over the small store in 1977 and expanded it then to include fresh deli and meatball sandwiches. Now, his son Jonathan has completed its transition to a take-out restaurant.

"After having heart surgery, my father was thinking about closing it down," the younger Howie said. Growing up in the neighborhood, he said he wanted to keep it open and make changes to the business.

It took 18 months to renovate the store which included adding new equipment. He said he still sells icecream, cookies, chips and soda.

Howie believes in offering "good quality food for a reasonable price along with good service." He explained he learned this from his father, having worked many years in the store.

"I always take the time to learn about my guests, and I have many repeat customers," Howie said.

The expansive menu has kept the 11 original sandwiches of tuna, chicken and egg salad, deli meats, meatballs and sausages. With the new equipment, Howie is now able to offer hot sandwiches, hand tossed pizza and calzone, fresh salads, wings and pulled buffalo chicken.

Dinners items include chicken tenders, chicken wings, cheeseburgers, penne with meatballs, sausage, or marinara and chicken parmesan. The non-pasta dinners are served with fries and a five bean salad.

Although parking is limited to a couple of spaces in front of the building, Howie explained there is parking across the street on Enmore.

Mr. Takeout will cater events and now offers delivery in Andover. Their hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-11pm and Sunday 11am-10pm. The phone number is 978-475-9877, and daily specials are listed on the website.