The Deli & Company in Saco, Maine is a beloved local establishment that has undergone several transformations over the years. What started as a small deli with limited seating has now evolved into a thriving catering business and a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. In this article, we'll explore the journey of The Deli & Company, from its humble beginnings to its current success.

A Humble Start

The Deli & Company was born out of a desire for a more stable and consistent source of income. The owners, who had been doing catering on a seasonal basis, realized the need for a year-round business to pay the bills. When the opportunity to take over a deli came up, they saw the potential and jumped on it.

With limited funds, the owners had to get creative with the space. They spent two weeks cleaning and preparing the deli, using old cookbooks and signs to give it a retro vibe. They even borrowed a jukebox from the owner's father to add to the ambiance. Despite the challenges, they were able to make the space their own and put their own spin on it.

Learning Through Hard Knocks

While the owners had some culinary training, they quickly realized that running a business was a whole different ballgame. They had to learn on the job and navigate the ups and downs of the industry. It was a school of hard knocks, but it also taught them valuable lessons about what was truly important.

They learned to prioritize their spending, focusing on essential equipment and ingredients rather than flashy decor. They understood that quality and functionality were key to their success. It was a constant hustle, but it also gave them a sense of accomplishment and a degree of expertise in their craft.

After running the Saco Island Deli for a long time, the owners saw an opportunity for growth. The landlord offered them additional space, which allowed them to expand their operations. This expansion was a game-changer for the business.

With the new space, they were able to install a hood, which opened up possibilities for a wider range of menu items. They kept the original deli space and added more tables, creating a more comfortable dining experience for their customers. This expansion marked the beginning of the transformation from Saco Island Deli to Deli & Company.

Rebranding and Catering

As the business grew, the owners realized the need to rebrand and showcase their catering services. They wanted to let people know that they were more than just a deli. They started a separate catering business called At Your Service Caterers, which operated under the umbrella of Deli & Company.

The rebranding process involved changing the name from Saco Island Deli to simply "The Deli." This was a strategic move to make the business more accessible and memorable. The owners wanted people to think of them as the go-to deli in town, offering not only sandwiches but also a variety of catering options.

The owners also made changes to the menu, scrapping the old one and creating a new one that reflected their own style and preferences. They wanted to offer unique and gourmet options that went beyond the traditional deli fare. This included items like gourmet burritos and grilled flatbreads, which added a touch of sophistication to their offerings.

Adapting to Changing Times

Over the years, The Deli & Company had to adapt to changing market conditions and customer preferences. They experimented with different concepts, such as offering dinner service to tap into the evening dining market. However, they quickly realized that their strength lay in their lunch offerings, which had become their specialty.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the owners had to pivot once again. They quickly set up online ordering platforms and partnered with delivery services like DoorDash and GoHub to meet the increased demand for takeout. They also made the decision to focus more on pickup catering rather than full-service catering, given the limitations imposed by the pandemic.

Despite the challenges, The Deli & Company managed to weather the storm and continue serving their loyal customers. They brought back their popular breakfast menu, which had been temporarily discontinued due to space constraints in the old deli. With their new and expanded kitchen, they were able to offer a wider range of breakfast options, including their famous bacon jam and homemade English muffins.

Looking Ahead

As The Deli & Company moves forward, they remain committed to providing quality food and excellent service to their customers. They have built a strong reputation in the community and continue to be a beloved local establishment. With their rebranding and expansion, they have positioned themselves as more than just a deli, offering catering services and a unique dining experience.

The owners have learned valuable lessons along the way, from the importance of adaptability to the power of a strong brand. They have embraced change and have been willing to take risks in order to grow and succeed. In this article, we'll explore the journey of The Deli & Company, from its humble beginnings to its current success. The Deli & Company in Saco, Maine is a beloved local establishment that has undergone several transformations over the years. What started as a small deli with limited seating has now evolved into a thriving catering business and a popular spot for breakfast and lunch.

The Deli & Company was born out of a desire for a more stable and consistent source of income. The owners, who had been doing catering on a seasonal basis, realized the need for a year-round business to pay the bills. When the opportunity to take over a deli came up, they saw the potential and jumped on it.

With limited funds, the owners had to get creative with the space. They spent two weeks cleaning and preparing the deli, using old cookbooks and signs to give it a retro vibe. They even borrowed a jukebox from the owner's father to add to the ambiance. Despite the challenges, they were able to make the space their own and put their own spin on it.

While the owners had some culinary training, they quickly realized that running a business was a whole different ballgame. They had to learn on the job and navigate the ups and downs of the industry. It was a school of hard knocks, but it also taught them valuable lessons about what was truly important.

After running the Saco Island Deli for a long time, the owners saw an opportunity for growth. The landlord offered them additional space, which allowed them to expand their operations. This expansion was a game-changer for the business.

With the new space, they were able to install a hood, which opened up possibilities for a wider range of menu items. They kept the original deli space and added more tables, creating a more comfortable dining experience for their customers. This expansion marked the beginning of the transformation from Saco Island Deli to Deli & Company.

As the business grew, the owners realized the need to rebrand and showcase their catering services. They wanted to let people know that they were more than just a deli. They started a separate catering business called At Your Service Caterers, which operated under the umbrella of Deli & Company.

The rebranding process involved changing the name from Saco Island Deli to simply "The Deli." This was a strategic move to make the business more accessible and memorable. The owners wanted people to think of them as the go-to deli in town, offering not only sandwiches but also a variety of catering options.

The owners also made changes to the menu, scrapping the old one and creating a new one that reflected their own style and preferences. They wanted to offer unique and gourmet options that went beyond the traditional deli fare. This included items like gourmet burritos and grilled flatbreads, which added a touch of sophistication to their offerings.

Over the years, The Deli & Company had to adapt to changing market conditions and customer preferences. They experimented with different concepts, such as offering dinner service to tap into the evening dining market. However, they quickly realized that their strength lay in their lunch offerings, which had become their specialty.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the owners had to pivot once again. They quickly set up online ordering platforms and partnered with delivery services like DoorDash and GoHub to meet the increased demand for takeout. They also made the decision to focus more on pickup catering rather than full-service catering, given the limitations imposed by the pandemic.

Despite the challenges, The Deli & Company managed to weather the storm and continue serving their loyal customers. They brought back their popular breakfast menu, which had been temporarily discontinued due to space constraints in the old deli. With their new and expanded kitchen, they were able to offer a wider range of breakfast options, including their famous bacon jam and homemade English muffins.

As The Deli & Company moves forward, they remain committed to providing quality food and excellent service to their customers. They have built a strong reputation in the community and continue to be a beloved local establishment. With their rebranding and expansion, they have positioned themselves as more than just a deli, offering catering services and a unique dining experience.

The owners have learned valuable lessons along the way, from the importance of adaptability to the power of a strong brand. They have embraced change and have been willing to take risks in order to grow and succeed. The Deli & Company is a testament to the resilience and determination of small business owners.

In conclusion, The Deli & Company has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small deli. Through rebranding, menu changes, and adaptability, they have transformed into a thriving catering business and a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. The owners' commitment to quality and their willingness to embrace change have been key factors in their success. As they continue to serve their community, The Deli & Company is sure to remain a beloved local establishment for years to come.