A few years ago, Andrew Turpen, owner of Junior’s Delicatessen in Batesville, Indiana, realized his career needed a change. While he enjoyed working in education, a discussion with his sister-in-law opened his eyes. Turpen knew he had the food-industry experience and knowledge to open his own quick-service restaurant.
“If my sister-in-law had never cared enough to encourage me to consider my options, I may have continued to struggle with my education career,” Turpen said. “I took everything I had learned from the great leaders I had been fortunate enough to work with and the principles that came along with that and applied them to Junior’s.”
A focus on fresh
Junior’s, which opened in June of 2022, is committed to using the freshest ingredients possible. “Freshness isn’t just a marketing scheme to us, it’s what we do every day,” said Turpen. “Our opening managers are in at 7 every morning, baking our locally famous French bread loaves, and prepping our produce for the day. We are also one of the few places left that offer free delivery.”
One of their most popular sandwiches is their Cuban, with hand-pulled smoked pork carnitas, ham, provolone, Dijon mustard, extra pickles, and Hellmann’s mayo, all grilled to perfection on the panini press.
A vessel for good
Junior’s has a great reputation for helping the community.
“I believe that Junior’s exists to be a vessel for good in our community,” said Turpen. “Since our opening, we have donated thousands of dollars of food and financial support to local organizations, youth sports teams, and local schools and their staff.”
Turpen said that a couple of missions Junior’s supports, which are personally important to him, are the Batesville Safe Passage Shelter and the Batesville Middle School 8th-grade Washington,
D.C., trip.
“We want to be a place where people can get a delicious, fresh sub at a fair price that ultimately creates a good moment in their day,” said Turpen. “With each guest, we have an opportunity to create a positive experience that can lead to more good.”
10a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday–Friday
10a.m.–6p.m., Saturday
