Brooklyn Deli & Mini Market offers a taste of New York in Southern California, specializing in fresh sandwiches and deli products made with premium ingredients. Hakeem and Remmietta Dolphin launched the store to provide healthy menu options in a community with few fresh restaurant options.
Challenges
The couple always knew they wanted to start a business and worked in corporate America to gain experience before they started their own venture. In 2012 the couple visited the Small Business Development Center hosted by El Camino College for assistance with obtaining financing for their dream deli.
Best Advice
SBDC Business Advisors Nathaniel Jemison and Samantha Sproson helped the Dolphins in a variety of areas including: market research, business planning, financing, and marketing.
Client Impact
Since opening for business in September 2014, Brooklyn Deli & Mini-Market has enjoyed steady growth. The store is currently attracting several new customers a day and has been featured in L.A. Weekly.
In the future, the Dolphins plan to expand their delivery and catering capabilities and ultimately open a second location. “We’ve catered some lunches for film crews, and hope to do more of that,” Remmietta says.
They remain in contact with the SBDC and avidly recommend the organization to other small business owners. “We’ve already given three people the address and details of assistance they offer,” says Remmietta.
“With the SBDC’s assistance with our business plan and marketing, we were able to secure private funding to build our dream.”-Remmietta Dolphin, Founder, Brooklyn Deli & Mini Market
