The Grove Roadside Deli is a welcome break for anyone traveling south on U.S. Highway 301. For both visitors and locals, the little sandwich shop has quickly become known for its homestyle menu, friendly service and small-town roots.

Owned by sixth-generation Sumter County resident Michelle Williams, The Grove reflects both her family’s history and a vision she has dreamed of for years.

“I didn’t know how it was going to go,” Michelle says. “But by mid-July of last year, we were packed. I was handing out free water just to keep people there and they were all so kind and patient. I’m truly blessed.”

Her late parents, Maxie and Jane Williams, owned the community feed-store Ace Hardware in Bushnell and the experience shaped her work ethic from a young age.

“We also had a farm so it was instilled in me at a young age to work hard,” Michelle says. “We were up early for classes, then the store and the farm. It was our whole life and it made us very close.”

This past year, Michelle became an empty nester and decided the time had finally come to pursue her dream.

“My last baby went off to college and I thought it was time,” she says. “I called my best friend Anita and she told me to go for it, so I did.”

The property became available and she started with her vision of a simple café.

“I didn’t want a place with fryers,” she says. “Just a panini press and a little storefront.”

I stumbled upon The Grove last December while driving the backroads to Tampa International Airport. The décor is inviting and classic Florida, with bright colors and a back-porch area for outdoor seating.

The menu focuses on classic deli fare prepared fresh each day and guests can build their own hot or cold sandwiches, wraps and paninis alongside soups, salads, chips, sides, desserts and rotating daily specials.

Michelle recommended the top-selling chicken salad, which is slightly sweet and dotted with chewy dried cranberries and crunchy pecans. My friend Melissa gulped down a whole container before we reached Hernando County.

Soups rotate depending on the season and Michelle’s inspiration. Choices include street corn, loaded baked potato, various chowders and classic chicken noodle. I tried the tomato bisque, which was rich and buttery with small chunks of tomato throughout.

The deli’s Cuban sandwich has also earned praise, for good reason. Pressing on the panini grill produces a smoky, buttery crust layered with sweet ham, Swiss cheese and thinly sliced pork.

I brought one home for my mom to try and she became an instant fan because “it had just the right amount of pickles and mustard.”

Michelle’s potato salad has the perfect amount of tang, but she adds feta cheese for a bit of zest. The homemade brownie was dense and cake-like with a gooey chocolate center. She makes most of the desserts, with others prepared by local bakers.

Her son Zane, who has his master’s in science, designed the deli’s popular trucker hats and often helps with logistics while her daughters Hayden and Aubrey Kate pitch in whenever they can.

Hayden says witnessing Michelle pursue her dream has been inspiring.

“I’m very proud of my mom,” Hayden says. “This has been a dream of hers her whole life and she finally got a chance to do it.”

Aubrey Kate says the experience has brought the family even closer together.

“It’s taught me so much,” she says. “I’ve learned how to work with people, make sandwiches and see how a business runs. When mom is happy, we’re all happy.”

Michelle says the support keeps her motivated after a rough couple of years that included hurricanes and other heartbreaks.

“I have wanted this my whole life,” she says. “And I could never have done it without the love and support from my kids.” 

Photos: Nicole Hamel