Little Lilly’s Island Deli celebrates fifth anniversary
Robin Lilly and Chris Capone just recently celebrated five years of owning Little Lilly’s Island Deli in the Island Exchange Building.
Lilly said in honor of their anniversary, they will offer $5 specials at the deli from Feb. 12-19.
Lilly said both she and Capone were customers at the deli before they purchased Scooter’s Island Deli Feb. 2, 2008.
“We decided it would be a good fit for the knowledge Chris and I have,” she said of the numerous restaurants where they have worked.
When they first purchased the deli, it was mainly take-out with only two tables.
About 3 1/2 years ago, they expanded the deli with more seating, which, in turn, transformed the business into a place where individuals could gather for breakfast and lunch.
In the past year, they also expanded their staff by hiring Lilly’s brother Matt Romejko.
“That has helped us,” she said.
A few changes have been made at the deli this year. She said they are using only Boar’s Head meat, as well as having breads delivered from St. Armands Baking Company Inc., which is out of Bradenton.
Lilly said another change was made with their coffee this year as well. They now serve Green Mountain Coffee.
Over the years, Lilly said, they have also seen an increase in what they are selling. She said when they first opened they barely sold any soup, which has changed dramatically.
“Now we sell out of soup every day,” she said. “Chris has become known for his soup.”
A different kind of homemade soup is made every day for the deli’s customers, which Lilly said includes about three or four vegetarian soups a week.
Another hot item at the deli is fresh brewed unsweetened and sweet lemon tea. Lilly said during season they go through 10 gallons of ice tea a day.
Some of the favorite menu items include the Mike’s Salad; the reuben, which was voted the 4th best reuben in Southwest Florida; Pine Island crab cakes; and chicken salad.
A different kind of fresh chicken salad is made every day.
Lilly said they use organic ingredients from Pine Island Botanicals for their salads.
Recently, the men at the deli has also been expanded to include a black bean burger wrap. She said it started off as a special before it was made into a menu item due to the customer’s response.
In addition to its regular menu, Little Lilly’s Island Deli also offers cupcakes from The Sea Shell Cupcakery and cookies.
Daily specials are placed on their website, as well as their Facebook page daily.
Catering options are also offered at Little Lilly’s Island Deli, which includes a special menu that can be viewed on the website at www.littlelillys.com. Lilly said they offer party trays, party platters, dinners and appetizers for their onsite catering.
Over the years, Lilly said their customers have started collecting various kinds of salt and pepper shakers for them, which grace every table at the deli.
“We really appreciate them,” she said of the shakers.
The deli is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., Saturday.