Hannah McGee and William McQueen combine their talents — and a longtime dream — in a new deli at the St. George Hotel
There’s a dapper dog, a lucky hummingbird and a whole lot of really good sandwiches waiting inside the St. George Hotel.
Palace Provisions, Weston’s newest lunch spot, is now serving deli-style sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with menu items also available during the Royal Deluxe’s Thursday, Friday and Saturday hours.
The new business is the latest project from Hannah McGee and William McQueen, the couple behind Weston Wine Company and the Royal Deluxe. While the doors may have only recently opened, the idea has been part of their relationship for years.
William has long wanted a neighborhood deli — the kind of welcoming, family-friendly place where people can stop in for a well-made sandwich without a lot of fuss.
“When I moved to Weston, before the Stagecoach, before the cocktail lounge, before anything, I wanted a nice deli to go to,” he said.
For Hannah, Palace Provisions also represents the natural next step in a partnership built by helping one another turn big ideas into real experiences.
“We’ve both been such a big part of each other’s projects over the years. We’ve worked together through the ebbs and flows to help each other realize our visions,” Hannah said. “This project is a chance for us to combine our individual strengths into something that showcases what we like best about the hospitality industry — and about each other. Plus, it’s perfect timing to do something together as we prepare for our wedding in October!”
Good food, made well
The Palace Provisions launch menu focuses on familiar Midwestern deli favorites made with fresh, filling ingredients.
Guests can choose from sandwiches including the Palace Turkey, Weston Turkey Club, Royal Ham & Swiss, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Palace Grilled Cheese, Coronation Chicken Salad and Garden Egg Salad. Each sandwich comes with chips and cucumber salad.
William’s pick? The Palace Turkey — we second that choice.
Hannah said the couple developed the menu by considering what they enjoy eating, what their customers have requested and what they knew they could consistently prepare well.
The result is an approachable menu filled with recognizable favorites, from a pressed ham and Swiss with Dijon butter to house-made chicken salad served on a croissant.
The launch menu is only the beginning. Palace Provisions plans to introduce seasonal sandwiches, options for different dietary needs and occasional specials featuring whatever Hannah and the team feel inspired to make.
The deli also fills a practical need for Royal Deluxe guests who have frequently asked whether food is available with their cocktails. Palace sandwiches will now be available during the lounge’s open hours, providing what Hannah jokingly calls a helpful base layer of “cheese and carbs.”
A palace with a past
The Palace Provisions name and branding are rooted in the history of the St. George Hotel.
According to Hannah, hotel owner Frank Kelly operated the Palace Sample Room during the 1840s, creating a place where traveling salesmen arriving by steamboat could display and sell their goods.
Kelly was also known for his beloved dog, Benny.
Historical photographs show Benny dressed in a bowler hat, bow tie and custom-fitted suit. The stylish pup now serves as the mascot for Palace Provisions, bringing a playful piece of the hotel’s past into its newest chapter.
But Benny is not alone in the logo.
Look closely and you’ll also spot a small hummingbird — a nod to a memorable visitor at the Royal Deluxe.
William recalled finding a hummingbird trapped inside the building and too exhausted to fly out. He carefully coaxed it onto a broom handle, carried it outside and fed it simple syrup from a cordial glass decorated with a rose petal.
After eating, the bird hovered in front of him for a moment before flying away.
“Ever since that happened, we’ve had only good vibes here,” William said.
That sense of history, hospitality and a little bit of magic fits neatly into the experience the couple hopes to create.
More than sandwiches
Palace Provisions is also accepting catering requests, with 48 hours’ notice preferred. Hannah said the team is open to customized menus, themed offerings and accommodations for dietary restrictions.
A loyalty program for frequent local customers is also in development.
And this August, the palace will become a little more proper.
Hannah plans to introduce a reservation-based afternoon tea featuring pastries, desserts and savory bites served in the St. George Hotel’s historic setting.
Her philosophy is simple: Throw the party you wish you had been invited to.
For now, locals and visitors are invited to stop by for lunch, meet Benny and decide which sandwich deserves the crown.
Palace Provisions is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at the St. George Hotel. Sandwiches are also available during Royal Deluxe hours Thursday through Saturday. Catering inquiries may be directed to Hannah at 816-651-4889 or hannah@westonwinecompany.com.