Many people in Perry noticed the opening of a brand new food option in the downtown area this past weekend, and now everyone will have the opportunity to give the new sandwich shop a try.

Starting today, Common Wealth Provisions is open with their full menu of artisan sandwiches. It will also serve as a butcher shop and bakery once fully operational. The delicatessen had a soft opening during last Saturday’s Bike Ride to Rippey (BRR) event, with only a few select sandwiches available, and those who gave it a try said they were not disappointed. The shop is located on 2nd Street, next door to Ben’s Five and Dime. The location had housed Perry Floral and Gifts, until the flower shop closed its doors after it was affected by a fire last March. That same fire caused the closure of Bacon Jewelers as well as the six-month hiatus of Ben’s.

The building was then purchased by Jeremy Mahler, who has owned an assortment of successful businesses in the Des Moines area, including the Nineteen14 in Minburn. Mahler plans to put another business in the former jewelry store, as well as refurbish the apartments upstairs. However, for now his focus is on Common Wealth Provisions, which will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.