How to Open and Run a Great Deli

According to the Guardian, there are many facets involved in running a successful deli. For one, you need to stay ahead of the curve and competition. This is mainly done by showcasing unique products that can only be found at your shop. Your venue should also offer a wide selection of popular deli meats, breads, and other mouth-watering choices. According to industry experts, the delicatessen has seen recent resurgence in popularity. This is due to economic situations, which are prompting many customers to revisit their local delicatessens and sandwich shops. With so many UK residents now health conscious, these venues offer the perfect alternative to fast food establishments and pricey restaurants.

Quality is the Key to Success

For any deli to succeed, it must offer quality items at every turn. It should also have a trendy décor, which attracts customers of all ages. In recent years, many deli spots have also rechristened their names. In fact, “sandwich shops” seem to be more captivating and compelling than plain old delicatessens. Depending on your core audience and customer base, however, your shop needs to reflect the local community as a whole. As always, you need to offer daily and weekly specials. These discounts will ensure recurring business and traffic to your location. It’s also a good idea to have music; along with a large screen TV set that shows any local games or sporting events. This is the perfect way to make your deli an “in spot” where locals can congregate for great sandwiches and beverages.

Down to Earth

While it’s okay to offer an exquisite menu, you and your staff have to be down to earth. Even with lavish and elegant surroundings, a deli is still a deli. It’s a venue where people can get a nice turkey and Swiss sandwich or gyro at an affordable price. Therefore, your overhead should not determine the costs of sandwiches, chips, biscotti, or even the customer’s morning cup of coffee. Despite harsh economic times, it is imperative to feature cost-effective prices for new and existing customers. This guarantees a future flow of more customers, along with an established base of loyal patrons. No matter what their preferences are, always keep your deli meats fresh and ready to serve. From white and wheat to pumpernickel and jalapeno, your bread selections should always be fresh as well.

Non-Traditional Selections

In recent years, many U.S. delis have adopted UK menus to draw in more customers. While the established sandwich shops like Subway and Quizno’s have existing menus, local delis have the freedom to change theirs as desired. From New York to San Francisco, many delis now carry samosas, chutney, naan, and other Indo-Pak specialties. They also feature hummus, babaganoush, slouvaki, and other Greek favorites. This is a great way to diversify, while offering a wider selection of international delicacies and treats. With so many new delis popping up coast to coast, the international flavor truly compliments traditional deli offerings and selections. To win the hearts of your customers, a smile also goes a long way. While being overly talkative is not suggested, simply let your sandwich clients know that they are appreciated across the board.