Tell us a bit about yourself and your business. What made you decide to open your own small business and how long have you been in operation?
Carmen’s is a high energy deli located in the Stratacache Tower and we prepare every meal one at a time. We only serve fresh ingredients made in house. The hospitality industry is my love and passion. It’s always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant. I started working over forty years ago in the hospitality industry and Carmen’s has been open since 2009.
What do you enjoy about working in downtown Dayton?
The people. I am able to serve those who work and live downtown. I choose downtown because it is close to my heart and the best community in the area. I studied at Sinclair College, which is part of the reason I chose to stay downtown. After many years I am glad and thankful I am still downtown.
Tell us something about your business that may surprise people to learn.
We have a new bar service featuring specialty drinks including ouzo open Thursday and Friday. We also offer a catering menu specializing in Mediterranean and tapas cuisine.
How is your business coping with the pandemic and how can people support you now?
Carmen’s is a lunch business and depends on the local workforce. It has been difficult while people are working from home. When you don’t have workers downtown it presents a challenge. We are looking forward to the downtown community coming back and keeping social distancing. We encourage people to visit the restaurant during lunch and take a break and explore and walk downtown after having lunch. There is plenty of parking nearby. I would like to thank the community and everyone who has helped with the local grants and loan programs. Everyone needs to keep supporting one another in morale and keep the dream alive during this time.
Carmen’s Deli
Corner of Second and Jefferson streets
in the Stratacache Tower
40 N. Main St., Suite 60
www.carmens-deli.com
937-610-9999
facebook.com/CarmensDeli
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