Sandwich search ends
The owners of a new delicatessen in Algonquin launched a business based on their inability to find a good hot corned beef or pastrami sandwich.
Tom Licata and Joseph Sanchez worked together at a Toyota car dealership in Elgin. At lunchtime they would often travel for miles in search of a quality deli sandwich.
For some time they tossed around the idea of launching their own deli. The business partners recently made that happen in opening TJ's Delicatessen at 2761 W. Algonquin Road in the Winding Creek Center about two blocks west of Randall Road.
In opening the sandwich shop, the men stress that they are more upscale than the chains that sell submarine sandwiches.
"We import all our lunch meats and cheeses," Licata said. Customers can also purchase lunchmeats by the pound. All the breads are baked fresh at the shop.
"We're a good, authentic Italian deli," Sanchez said.
Licata, originally from Elmwood Park, said it's a family-friendly business. His wife, mother and sister assist in the operation. He added that his wife, Sarah, makes a specialty salad with pasta, spinach and sun dried tomatoes.
Eggplant parmesan is another favorite. Corned beef sandwiches sell for $7.95 while deli sandwiches are $4.95.
Licata, 44, who has worked for the past ten years in the finance department for the local car dealership, said it has been his dream to open a restaurant. He resides in Huntley with his wife and children.
Sanchez, a resident of Algonquin for 20 years, has three children ranging in age from 10 to 21. He has owned other restaurants and bars in Chicago prior to working at the dealership for eight years.
The delicatessen, which seats about 20 people, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Catering is also available.
For more information, call (847) 458-6400.
Spanx event: You may have heard Oprah is in love with Spanx Power Panties, designed to slim the tummy and thighs. Von Maur at Charlestowne Mall holds a Spanx event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Von Maur shoppers at the St. Charles mall will be treated to personal Spanx styling tips. If you spend $50 on the line of about 40 products and hose, you'll receive an bottle of Philosophy perfumed shimmer body lotion. One lucky winner will win $150 in Spanx products.
So the story goes that Sara Blakely created Spanx footless pantyhose because she couldn't find anything to wear under a pair of unlined cream-colored pants. Her original idea for body-hugging footless pantyhose has now expanded into an extensive line.