just coming out , and everybody was wanting to cook unique items , and nobody could get specialty spices and unique jar items ,” Cater recalled . “ So I thought that was what I would do is do a gourmet food store .”
The mystique of the kitchen , however , did not last long , Cater said , and Meridianites quickly returned to more triedand-true meal options , such as take out .
Cater ’ s Market relocated to its home on Highway 493 as it evolved from a gourmet store to a restaurant , where it has become a popular lunchtime destination as well as a place to grab casseroles , take out and more .
“ So I started cooking a little bit , and it just started growing and growing ,” she said . “ I started making chicken salad and dips and wrapping up sandwiches to go , and the more we did that over the course of time , it turned into a restaurant , and we started having to serve lunch .”
With the food service , Cater ’ s Market also needed more space and relocated to its home on Highway 493 just north of North Hills Street . Cater said the location works well for the restaurant and , although on the other side of town , frequently hosts travelers hopping off of the interstate for a bite to eat .
“ They have free time because they ’ re traveling to go see their children or something , and they don ’ t mind driving a little bit off the interstate to experience a unique place ,” she said .
A lifelong cook , Cater said she learned from her mother , who was always in the kitchen . She said she loves finding recipes and discovering what they create . Many of the popular menu items in her store , she said , are the same today as they were when they opened 17 years ago .
In the years since opening , Cater ’ s Market has also branched out to offer gift baskets , tailgating packages , take home casseroles , a coffee shop and bakery .
“ Everybody wants something to eat , so the gift of food is wonderful at the holiday times ,” she said .
Cakes and casseroles are also highly valued around the holidays as those with limited time or skill in the kitchen
Salami , pepperoni , peppers , ham , cheese and olive salad come together to create Cater ’ s filling and delicious Muffaletta sandwich .
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