Old Village Pantry expands deli selection
With a year of experience under their belts, the owners of The Old Village Pantry in Palatine added an expanded deli to their operation.
Brother and sister team Lawrence Ellis and Patricia Lilly took over the nearly 25-year-old business just over a year ago. The entrepreneurs felt additional deli options would add some spice to the establishment at 301 S. Rohlwing Road.
The owners, natives of Chicago, wanted a deli with quality ingredients. They formed a partnership with Manny's, a longtime deli in Chicago, known for its corn beef and other quality sandwiches. "We formed a unique deal with them," Ellis said.
The Palatine pantry now serves popular hot pastrami sandwiches with a side of coleslaw and a pickle for $6.75. The hot corn beef sandwiches sell for the same price. The smoked brisket sandwich, selling for $4.50, or the American sub with a $3.75 price tag are other favorites.
The Manny's lunch meats are also sold in bulk for between $9.99 and $10.99 a pound. Vienna beef hot dogs, Italian sausage, chili and weekly hot sandwich specials selling for $5.50 are other highlights. New York cheesecakes and carrot cakes are other favorites.
The owners hired Les Zeinfeld, who has experience in the food industry, to handle the deli aspect of the business.
In operating the pantry, which the owners say is similar to the larger franchise convenient stores, Ellis said they have tried to create a neighborhood atmosphere.
Before taking over the shop, they said it was important to talk to customers about what they wanted.
"We brought in gourmet coffee, ice cream and an assortment of candy and gum for the kids," he said. They also learned that customers were concerned about the freshness of the products at the 3,000-square-foot store.
"It's important that we work hard to keep the store clean and neat," Ellis said.
Before launching the business, Ellis worked in California in the banking and telecommunications industries. He now resides in Rolling Meadows.
"We're pleased the customers have accepted us and the changes along the way," he said.
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• Kim Mikus welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.