Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory celebrates 10-year anniversary
When Jeff Weigel sold his family-style American restaurant in Syracuse, New York, and relocated to the islands over a decade ago, he never envisioned that he would get back into the business.
“I had no intent of doing this,” the owner of the Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory said.
On Dec. 18, the deli marked its 10-year anniversary of serving up healthy comfort food at a price residents, island workers and visiting families can afford. Weigel explained that he was approached by an associate about the space off Palm Ridge Road and Periwinkle Way and decided to take a look.
“And that was it,” he said.
Coming to the islands, Weigel saw a need that could be filled.
“There was nothing that seemed it was geared toward everyday basic food, down-to-earth food,” he said. “My goal was to do something that wasn’t so seasonal, something more stable year-round.”
With a menu featuring breakfast sandwiches and bagels, to lunch items like sandwiches, paninis and subs, soups and salads, even pizza and wings, there is something for everyone and every budget.
“Island workers, families visiting,” Weigel said. “When families are on vacation just off the beach, it’s easy for them to drop in here or order and pick it up and financially be able to feed everybody.”
He noted that one key to his eatery is everything is homemade.
“We don’t buy anything predone,” Weigel said.
The menu also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options for those interested.
“We do a lot of gluten-free stuff,” he said.
One big seller is his breakfast sandwiches, which are made in true New York deli-style.
“Right down to the attitude,” Weigel said with a grin.
The menu is reflective of the lighthearted humorous atmosphere that can be found at the deli, with sandwiches named after regulars because it is their favorite and even subtle little jabs for a joke.
“We’ve been known to pick on our customers,” he laughed.
Starting the business from scratch, Weigel originally occupied one unit in the plaza and only outdoor seating was available out front. About five years ago, he expanded next door to add indoor seating.
“We just thought it was the next logical step,” he said, pointing out the hot or rainy days.
Currently, the deli employs two full-time and three part-time staffers.
Weigel cited the oil spill, recession and hurricanes as the biggest obstacles over the years.
“And now the romaine lettuce is killing everyone,” he joked.
On a serious note, Weigel attributed getting over the hurdles to his work ethic.
“I’ve always felt that hard work pays off,” he said, adding that when times get tough, he takes the approach of keeping his head down and going. “And do what we already do, but even better.”
Weigel also does not measure his accomplishment as a restaurant owner by the final line.
“I want to be able to go out into the community and be proud of my business and my employees,” he said, explaining that his personal satisfaction comes from doing a good job and giving back.
“Becoming a positive contributor to the community,” Weigel said.
He has served as The Sanibel School Fund president and as a Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife board member. This year, Weigel joined Community Housing and Resources as a board member.
“You have a responsibility to be involved in the community,” he said of business owners.
Weigel noted that it works both ways.
“We’ve been so lucky the community has supported us so much,” he said. “We really appreciate it, and they make it fun.”
For the 10th anniversary, special limited edition T-shirts have been printed up. Available in sizes small to extra large, the shirts feature the deli’s mascots Hot Dog Man and Fry Guy getting tattoos.
“Everybody that comes in here poses with them,” Weigel said.
Asked if he has considered opening a second location, he explained that he was approached about franchising. The offer and second site does not interest him, but Weigel would like to add more seating.
“I kind of like the niche I have here,” he said.
Weigel pointed out that he owned his New York eatery for about nine years.
“This is the longest I’ve done anything in my life,” he laughed. “Ten years on the islands is like dog years, it’s like 70 years in other places.”
The Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory is open Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, Weigel is set up at the Sanibel Farmers Market.
For more information, call 239-472-2555 or visit sanibeldeli.com or www.facebook.com/sanibeldeli.
The Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory is at 2330 Palm Ridge Road.