Schroder’s New Deli

Schroder’s New Deli in Calhoun is a little off the beaten path and a bit obscure from the road. But don’t let that stop you from visiting this worthwhile café; it can be found easily via GPS for out-​of-​towners and locals alike. We drove 90 minutes to attend a birthday celebration there and would have no hesitation to visit again.
The brick face deli sits across from a field in an underdeveloped small multiunit strip mall off of Harmony Church Road, not far from the I 75 Exit 315. Look for a small business multi marquee for a landmark but the business is easily located standing across the undeveloped cleared grassy lots in from of it. The area is quite safe; it is just located in the countryside. The planned complex obviously never was finished.
The food is of very good quality. Boosting a menu of fresh pizza, calzones, wings, sandwiches, salads and more, we were impressed with the choices and flavors. The fact is they have some of the best pizza I have had. The crust is a real Italian style. That is, it is simply flour, water, oil and salt created to crisp quickly in a very hot oven. The pie comes out perfectly cooked with that slightly smoky charred flavor, browned bottom and crisp edges that crackle when you break it. The red sauce is excellent not sour, not so sweet and has a full body flavor. (They also offer a green pesto sauce.) The cheese blend is better than any large franchise period. It is very gooey and not just mozzarella. The blend is what seems to be of that plus a hard type and possibly provolone as well. Good luck getting the recipe from this family owned franchise. When put all together, this dish is what American pizza used to before the big pie wheelers and dealers told us what it should taste like. If anyone remembers Shaky’s pizza joints, this is pretty close. Great quality toppings and no skimp here round out this really must taste pie.
We also tried the Grilled Chicken Pita sandwich which had sprouts and a real chicken breast. The onion rings are large, and smooth crispy battered almost like a tempura. Both were very good.
Besides this place being a gem, not only for the stand out pizza and the quick friendly service, is the Saturday Night live music. With no cover charge, the family friendly music themed Deli spot offers the best in local music. As a big time live music fan, I was impressed with a duo of mid twenty something country boys who tore up acoustic guitar sets of 70’s Southern Rock anthems, Blues, Progressive Country and Original songs all in a distinct twist and swagger that raised the roof several times and afforded these boys a standing ovation. You didn’t need to be in Atlanta or any other big city venue to see this hot duo pick, strum and slide serious strings with classic vocals.
This clean space with comfortable seating of high back varnished pine lumber booths, bare floor and a couple of outside bistros make this a go to spot anytime. Go for the friendly food prices, staff and flavor quality, enjoy the entertainment and plan your next trip back. We are.

This is one of the only places in Calhoun that appeals to the music scene. My friends’ band has played here during one of their acoustic set nights, and I have seen a few other local acts here as well.
The food is delicious. I always order a french bread pizza or a calzone. Their sandwiches offer a different twist by serving alfalfa sprouts instead of lettuce.
Monday is Trivia Night!
I miss the jukebox from the pre-​fire Schroeder’s.

Nice little locally owned chain. Their pesto pizza is off the chain… great service and atmosphere… wish they served beer again though…