The first night was nerve wracking. I had written a check for groceries with zero left in the bank, praying we would do enough business to cover it. There was no money in the budget for advertising (and no Facebook back then), so I just said a silent prayer and kicked on the open sign. The night was a blur, but we had a nice crowed and covered that check!
It wasn't an easy road. I watched people walk past, going to other restaurants, not even looking in the windows to see what we were about, but I didn't give up. I worked day and night - sometimes waiting tables and cooking all at the same time! I was ashamed I had to do that, so I would pretend there was actually someone else in the kitchen. My daughter, just 11 at the time, helped me immensely - both on the floor and keeping her younger brothers occupied while I worked until closing.
The old building presented many challenges. The water heater would spring a leak, making the place feel like a steam bath. The air conditioner would go out, forcing us to use a portable swamp cooler. We even had some "ghost" moments, but that's another story.
After 5 years my lease was up. I made the HUGE decision to move to the current space on Ken Pratt. My rent tripled and I was a nervous wreck. Two days after we opened, we had an overnight fire- the kitchen sprinklers came on and the place was covered with soot! My courage was being tested. We rolled up our sleeves and cleaned the place in time for dinner. Whew!!
When I met my husband Rod, the power of an added family member magnified my ambition and new Delvickios started popping up at a rapid rate! So many lessons
learned so much love given and received. The restaurant business can be brutal, but for the most part it was a joy I can't imagine living without!
The hardest part is behind me, so now there are new challenges and motivations. My hope is to find people who I can help to open their own Delvickios! I've been fortunately able to give back- to my staff, the community, and those that are in need. Most of all, we are a family here, all trying to make a moment special for someone who needs it.
Thank you for joining us, we are here for you!
It wasn't an easy road. I watched people walk past, going to other restaurants, not even looking in the windows to see what we were about, but I didn't give up. I worked day and night - sometimes waiting tables and cooking all at the same time! I was ashamed I had to do that, so I would pretend there was actually someone else in the kitchen. My daughter, just 11 at the time, helped me immensely - both on the floor and keeping her younger brothers occupied while I worked until closing.
The old building presented many challenges. The water heater would spring a leak, making the place feel like a steam bath. The air conditioner would go out, forcing us to use a portable swamp cooler. We even had some "ghost" moments, but that's another story.
After 5 years my lease was up. I made the HUGE decision to move to the current space on Ken Pratt. My rent tripled and I was a nervous wreck. Two days after we opened, we had an overnight fire- the kitchen sprinklers came on and the place was covered with soot! My courage was being tested. We rolled up our sleeves and cleaned the place in time for dinner. Whew!!
When I met my husband Rod, the power of an added family member magnified my ambition and new Delvickios started popping up at a rapid rate! So many lessons
learned so much love given and received. The restaurant business can be brutal, but for the most part it was a joy I can't imagine living without!
The hardest part is behind me, so now there are new challenges and motivations. My hope is to find people who I can help to open their own Delvickios! I've been fortunately able to give back- to my staff, the community, and those that are in need. Most of all, we are a family here, all trying to make a moment special for someone who needs it.
Thank you for joining us, we are here for you!
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