New eatery to ‘slide’ into Main Street

A new restaurant about to open on Main Street is hoping to bring a different flavor and menu selection to Newark.

Main Street Sliders, set to open at the end of the month next to the former Korner Diner, will offer a new and different locale for students and residents of Newark, said owner Jason Voit.

"It's going to be a type of fast food, take-out place like the rest, except with a slider, which is a small sandwich or a small hamburger," Voit said. "I'm going to have everything from hamburgers to grilled chicken and fried chicken. We'll have various types of meat and non-meat patties, ham, pulled pork and a whole bunch of specialty sliders, such as jalapeno and chicken cordon bleu."

Voit said he will be focusing on small portion sizes and a sandwich that is cost-effective. He said he plans to offer an extensive appetizer menu as well.

"Everything from mozzarella sticks to fried pickles and green beans," he said. "Anything that might appeal to the demographic."

The restaurant is Voit's original concept, and he said although the Newark location will be his first, he plans to expand to other college towns in the future.

"It's my first store, my test market, where I'm going to start out," he said. "Newark was my first chosen spot, but I'm already looking at other places, such as Penn State and Virginia Tech."

Voit grew up in north Wilmington and his brother attended the university, but these were only two factors in his search for a location.

"I am very familiar with the way of life in Newark. It's a one-street town with a lot of traffic, which is a good thing from a business perspective," he said. "It's an area where I know that students are willing to try new things and it's a good market to test a product."

The restaurant will be open seven days per week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Voit hopes to offer delivery by the beginning of the Fall Semester.

Maureen Feeney Roser, director of the Downtown Newark Partnership said Main Street Sliders will offer something that is missing in downtown Newark.

"I think since they're offering something we don't currently have, they'll be a real asset. Newark has gotten a pretty good reputation as of late as being a great place to eat," Roser said. "The more commerce we can have on the street and be known as a destination that is different and eclectic, it's a great thing."

Junior Evan Schwartz said he will be checking out Main Street Sliders when it opens.

"Besides Kate's there isn't a place that's all about burgers and sandwiches," Schwartz said. "I can definitely see it being popular with the student body."

In addition to the varied menu, Voit believes one of the main selling points of his establishment will be the low cost of food.

"A combo meal is a choice of two sliders, French fries or onion rings and a fountain soda for $5," he said. "I really think that's going to be the big appeal. We're focusing on high volume, low cost."

Voit said his plan also focuses on fresh ingredients and restaurant hours that will cater to the life of a college student.

"I think I have a fairly firm grip on what I like to eat and what other people like to eat," he said. "Nothing like this really exists in this area. I want to give people an alternative to pizza."

Roser said the Main Squeeze, a juice bar, is also set to open on Main Street next to Main Street Sliders.