Deli, import grocer opens in St. Charles

The Bend General Store, located at 320 W. Main. in downtown St. Charles, is a new deli and import grocery store that recently opened.

Owners Tony Scheufler and Adam Bosch had the idea for a real Italian deli in the area for years. Both are from the area and always wanted to bring a piece of history to their backyard. The Bend General Store is two businesses in one, an old school deli featuring imported meats and cheeses with bread delivered daily, and an import grocery store featuring primarily Italian products.

It was perfect timing for The Bend General Store. The space was available and Scheufler and Bosch knew they had the business background to make their dream a reality.

Scheufler, who had more than 20 years in corporate America, took a leap of faith to follow his passion. "I just wanted to make sandwiches like my dad and uncle used to make me; it's second nature," he said.

When Manager Jennifer Cook came on board, they added the restaurant experience and knowledge they needed to really secure success.

Cook and Scheufler, who are in the store everyday, take pride in their establishment. They know where every meat, cheese and ingredient on their sandwiches comes from and the story of the people who got them there. This is also true for all the specialty items sold.

They feature select wines, primarily from Italy and France, as well as small batch spirits from near and far. "All products have a story, just like we do" says Scheufler. "You can ask about every product in the store and we know the story behind it. Each product feels special."

The Bend's house slogan is "Vai piano e gusta!" which means "Slow down, enjoy!" in Italian. It's a nod to when times were a bit slower. In fact, the store's name also comes from St. Charles' history. From the 1880s through prohibition, Main Street ended in the area of 2nd Street. At the end of the row were a few saloons and general stores. Factory workers would board the trolley at the river, which would continue west and make the turn where The Bend building is today.

When the trolley started to make the turn to return eastbound, workers would exit the trolley, hit the saloons for a couple of quick shots, and re-board the trolley as it headed back east. The conductor would call out the turn, and for that period of time this spot was called "Whiskey Bend." This is where Scheufler and Bosch got the name for The Bend General Store.