Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Hurley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Nine years ago while bartending in Boston and looking for a small restaurant business, I came across a sandwich shop in Salem for sale and with little hesitation I gathered up my meager savings and a fake looking check found in the mail from my bank and made an initial deposit. A month later and a loan from the bank, the apprehended business was mine. With little money left, I gave the space a good cleaning, new color scheme, bought food for a couple days and opened the doors for business
The day began with only three sandwich choices, (Chicken Caesar wrap, Buffalo Chicken wrap and Chicken Bacon Ranch wrap) due to customers coming in as I was literally writing the on the menu boards. I made the wraps and insured the customers that there would be more to choose from tomorrow.
The three wraps apparently made an impression, because the next day, the phone started ringing and the customers doubled, but there was an underlining theme that worried me. Every other customer would tell their horror stories of the last 6-7 owners of this restaurant. Some would talk about the last owners smoking cigarettes while working, while others would assure me that no business last more than a year at this location (looking at the lease…they were right). The tales of bad service, uncleanliness, lack of sanitary gloves, sicknesses from food left me with two questions…why did they return? and why did I buy this place?
Has it been a smooth road?
No, the struggles begin the first day and most of the days following over 2-3 years. As a first-time restaurant owner, no one tells you about food costs, credit card fees, permit fees, meals tax, portion control, employee theft, unemployment insurance etc.
Most business start at ground level, Deli House started 6 ft. under. The past patrons and neighborhood had a very bad impression of this location. 7 owners in 7 years left people thinking that the location was “cursed” and being in Salem, people took that label seriously.
Long hours and hard work started changing people’s opinions of the restaurant, even if just with my commitment.
Commuting back and forth from Boston.
Training a variety of people with different skill levels and personalities.
Keeping a friendly, inviting attitude while the business is losing money.
Appeasing a diverse clientele. Rich, poor, cops, criminals, black, white, Spanish, doctors, lawyers, homeless, teachers and students.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Deli House – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Deli House is a fun, fast sandwich and pizzas please with a twist. We bake our own focaccia bread for our Pressed sandwiches, offer handmade empanadas and mac and cheese egg rolls. The neighborhood kids love us for our Cinnamon and Sugar Doughballs.
Pricing:
- Lg. Cheese $9.50
- Cinnamon and Sugar Dough Balls $3.75
- Grilled Rice Bowls $5.50
- Sm. Cheese pizza 5.50
- Cheeseburger and Fries $5.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 48 Congress St. Salem, Ma 01970
- Website: Delihousepizza.com
- Phone: 978 745 5900
- Facebook: Deli house
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