By Kelvin Butler
SAGINAW – Richie Rich’s Deli is back.
Owner Richie Rich felt like downtown Saginaw was the place to be, with recent revitalization efforts through the introduction of Delta College’s satellite campus, much like the University of Michigan did for Flint.
Plus, Rich loves the feel of downtown and felt it needed a deli. The distinguishing factor with his deli can be described in one word: fresh.
“I’m slicing meat and cheese daily,” says Rich. “Making everything in the morning, I think the customer can tell the difference between what I do and what a chain does. I also try to locally source as much product as I can.”
Rich opened his first Richie’s in 1994 in old town Saginaw, ending up with more than five locations before closing after 11 years of business. Last year, Richie Rich’s Deli reopened.
Everything he needs to know, he learned from his family and Northwood University. Besides knowledge, though, Rich stressed to just do what you love and the money will follow. You can’t have the passion necessary for success if you don’t love what you’re doing.
Whether you’re the cook or the recipient, food was essential to Rich’s family coming together.
“My salad recipes come from [my] mom, aunts, uncles and grandparents,” says Rich. “I’m definitely not a chef. I just like food that tastes good, so I borrowed a lot of sandwich recipes from deli sandwiches I had throughout my travels.”
It’s no secret that COVID-19 and the stay-at-home order are crippling small businesses.
“Most small businesses start under-capitalized, so any fluctuations are felt deeper than a corporate entity,” says Rich. “This is greater than anyone could have expected.“
That being said, Saginaw’s big businesses have stepped up to support the small business owners.
“I hope every small business owner gets the same support from the big business in their town,” says Rich. “Saginaw is tough and we stick together.”
The deli is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Due to the pandemic, they’re only doing pick-up and delivery right now.
