This new restaurant is the first of twenty slated to be developed in the Kansas City metropolitan area over the next three to four years.

According to an article in the Kansas City Star, Zona Rosa, developed by Steiner & Associates of Columbus, Ohio was said to be "the highest-quality development that the Northland area in Kansas City has ever seen", this according to then Councilman Paul Danaher, whose 2nd District includes the area.

New York NY Fresh Deli is an upscale quick casual chain that offers Gourmet sandwiches, hot New York Style Subs and a variety of fresh cut salads. This restaurant, which opened September 30th is operated by franchisees Steve and Sandee Weathers and Jason and Leigh Ann Gonsalves, is located in the Zona Rosa food court area which is in the same building as the new Marshalls Department store. www.zonarosa.com/tenants/newyorknyfreshdeli.cfm

The Company which operates restaurants in several states under the names New York Subs Fresh Deli and New York NY Fresh Deli formally changed its operating name to New York NY Fresh Deli in January of 2004.

Restaurant and franchise industry veterans Robert Palmer and Clyde Culp III acquired the then 2 unit New York Subs chain in August 2002 and have since swiftly grown the company to its present size. Over the past 24 months the Company has recruited a total of 86 franchises, 56 domestic (US), and completed a Master Franchise Agreement for 30 restaurants in the Middle East.

Robert Palmer, who began his career in franchising in 1976, formerly was the President/CEO Uptown Restaurant Group that operated the restaurant concepts New York Burrito, 1 Potato 2, and Fasta Pasta and was sold in 2002. Mr. Palmer in 1978 was the original founder of the Grease Monkey 10 Minute Lube Pros automotive chain, now the nation's largest independently owned lube chain.

Clyde Culp III began his hospitality career in 1975 when he created Davco Foods, Inc. with five partners. This Wendy's restaurants company grew to be the largest Wendy's franchise in the world with 146 restaurants when it was sold in 1987. He was Chairman and CEO of this business from its inception. Previously, Mr. Culp was Executive Vice President of Krystal Company, a chain of hamburger restaurants, and served on its board for 17 years. He worked for Promus Hotel Company as President and CEO of Embassy Suites Hotels and Chief Operating Officer of Holiday Inns before it was sold. From 1993-1995, Mr. Culp served as President and CEO of Long John Silvers, a chain of 1,500 owned and franchised restaurants. Currently Mr. Culp is involved in a number of businesses. He is actively working as an advisor to the Shoney's and Captain D's restaurant chains and has ownership interests in and sits on the boards of New York Subs, Memphis BBQ, Pacific Ocean Restaurants and Damon's of West Virginia. Additionally, Mr. Culp sits on the Boards of several non-restaurant companies.

Source nynyfreshdeli