DineOut: It’s all for Ollie’s in Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS — Ollie’s Ice Cream and Deli, a Kannapolis favorite for more than 13 years, has reopened at 1901 N. Cannon Boulevard under new ownership.

Ollie’s was known not only for premium hand-dipped Hershey’s Ice Cream but also for homemade pecan chicken salad sandwiches, soups and all-beef hot dogs, among other deli favorites. New owner Steve Nation has brought back the menu selection, quality and pricing that Ollie's customers were accustomed to, along with some new ideas.

Nation went back to the original name of Ollie’s not only because of the area’s familiarity with it, but also because his daughter, Olivia, has been called “Ollie” since the day she was born.

The deli’s new logo features a cartoon drawing of “Ollie” enjoying an ice cream cone and hints at shop’s old-fashioned, bright and cheery atmosphere.

With Coca-Cola bottle salt and pepper shakers on tables, cherry ice cream sodas, root beer floats and hot dogs all the way, classic shows like “I Love Lucy” and “Red Skelton” on the TV and oldies playing on the Bubbler jukebox, Ollie’s takes customers back to the good ol’ days.

Ollie’s also offers classic video games such as Ms. Pacman, Donkey Kong, and Centipede — all priced at 25 cents per play — to help 30- and 40-somethings relive their youth. Nation plans to host family nights with special combination pricing and activities such as karaoke and team trivia in the near future.

Nation and Stephen London also run a small foundation to raise money for children battling cancer called Athletes 4 Children. Ollie’s will host events in conjunction with other local businesses to help the foundation, such as corn hole and wii bowling tournaments.

The proceeds from sales of Ollie's T-shirts also go to the foundation.

Ollie’s winter hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Call 704-298-0115 to learn more or place an order. Delivery is available for orders more than $10.