After leaving corporate jobs, Roman and Amanda Braverman opened the restaurant in 2008 and have been serving up high-quality food with local ingredients ever since.
“We started in 2008 in a trailer out in Fairview on 74A,” Roman said. “My wife and I left corporate jobs at Carrabba’s Italian Grill to open up our own spot. Thirteen years later, I still hand-pick our tomatoes and the WNC Farmers Market. Our first deliveries from Hickory Nut Gap Farm were made by Jamie Ager himself.”
After 13 years in business, the husband and wife duo, along with their team who they consider family, are sticking to what they know. And it’s working just fine.
“We don’t have any big plans,” Roman says. “We will continue to put the most consistent product that we can to all of our guests. Maybe consistency is the greatest advice I can give.”
When it comes to advice, Roman noted the significant time and effort it takes to start a small business and keep it going.
“If you are starting a small business, especially a restaurant, be prepared to live it 24/7,” he said. The only way to be successful is to be present as much as possible, especially in the first 5 years.”
Even with an array of awards, accomplishments and accolades under their belt, Roman says he’s most proud of the team they have and the work environment they have fostered.
“I am the proudest of the environment we have provided to our staff over the years,” he said. We have been able to hire many homeschooled children and provide them with their first job. It has always been a clean and safe place to work…We have always treated our business and staff as family and treating people as such is the only way we know how to do it.”
Roman’s Deli serves up sandwiches, salads, soups and more for all diets made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Check out Roman’s Deli located in downtown Asheville at 75 Haywood Street.