"Gratitude Without an Attitude”

Many of our customers question the idea behind the name. It all started at a backyard barbecue among three girlfriends discussing their futures. All had previously worked together in the food industry, so deciding to open a deli was the easy part. Agreeing on the name became another matter.

Following an unbearable moment of heated discussion between the three on the subject, one of the husbands suggested they call it PMS. The name really seemed to fit the moment, and when another spoke up to say Professionally Made Sandwiches, it all made sense.

Although the acronym carries several definitions (you all have your own) the owners and employees are continually striving to make it synonymous with one of your favorite places to visit and enjoy quality prepared food. "Gratitude Without an Attitude" is taken very seriously here as we are eager to accommodate you with a wide variety of specially made sandwiches and more.

(Note: The following content is from a newspaper article written about PMS Deli.)

Deli's unconventional name gets a chuckle

By Janet Yarbrough Meyer
Correspondent

PRINCESS ANNE – When the PMS Deli opened several months ago, a gentleman appeared at the doorway but wouldn’t come in, recalled Kim Hager.

“He asked me how long we had been open, and I told him a little over a month,” said the Lake Shores resident and one of three owners. 

“He said, ‘Just a little more than one cycle.’  Now he is a regular customer.”

That’s how it has been since the beginning, said Wendy Davis and Tammy Shotts, PMS Deli’s other owners.  Male customers tease the women about their establishment’s name, which they say stands for “professionally made sandwiches.”

“You just have to have a sense of humor,” said Hager.

The trio have laughed a lot about their unconventional name, but it’s moniker that people remember, said Davis, whose husband came up with the idea.

“I was having a bad week before we opened,” she added, “being a little crank, when my husband came up with the idea over a family dinner.  We all busted out laughing.”

The name may cause chuckles, but the owners take their enterprise seriously, preparing soups and salads, paninis, sandwiches, wraps and grilled items with a personal touch.

“We all learned from being deli managers at Farm Fresh for over twenty years that customers want quick service and to be treated like they are No. 1,” said Hager.  “Those qualities are deeply entrenched in us.”

As in most delis, customers view the menu upon entering the shop, at the intersection of Dam Neck and London Bridge Roads.  They place their orders, give the cashier their money and name, and take a seat, either at a table or on the overstuffed chairs and couch comprising a conversation area.  While waiting for the food to be delivered in a basked with a Hershey’s Kiss guests can browse through books and magazines, consider a candy bar for dessert or purchase a “PMS Voodoo doll,” which the Deli can’t keep in stock.  Mike Bowen, who frequents PMS two to three times a week, said the eatery’s name first caused him to hesitate. 

“A neighbor had eaten here and said it was delicious,” said the Lake Placid resident.  “When I finally came in, I discovered that the ladies may not be nice to their husbands about PMS but they are nice to their customers.”