Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Nelson.
Hi Joe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My wife Amy and I purchased Hilltop Deli in El Cajon about two months ago. Here is a little backstory on us which will shed some light on not only us, but what led us to the decision to buy a deli. By the way, we are both El Cajon natives and reside in our home not far away from Hilltop Deli. We went to elementary school together and were friends. Amy went to go live out her singing and acting career while I raised my family, I have three kids, Jonny Melissa and Kat. 35 years later Amy and I reconnected and a couple years later we got married! Crazy how life works out sometimes.
Amy was actually born and raised in a deli, right here in El Cajon. A shop that was opened by her Uncle Pete DiGangi in 1963 and is still open to this day. Amy learned from a very young age all the ins and outs of a deli, but most of all, how it’s the people who are paramount to everything else. Amy always wanted a sandwich shop of her own, but just needed the right opportunity. That brings us to Hilltop Deli in El Cajon.
Joe is a supervisor at a local manufacturing facility, he has been there for nearly 30 years and while he retains that job, he still has a hand in the deli for anything that Amy may need help with. Shopping, maintenance and sometimes taking the orders or making sandwiches. Joe is also a social media manager and podcast producer/host and manages Hilltop Deli’s online presence. FB: Amy’s Hilltop Deli… IG: HilltopDeliSD
Amy and I recently had a visit from CBS 8’s Jeff Zevely and we were featured on TV on The Zevely Zone LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yzsv8rc5 We are very proud of that!!!)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There certainly was a lot of paperwork and trips to the bank or the county offices to get the transaction done. It wasn’t terribly difficult, but the end result is wonderful!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Joe also produces podcasts on the side as well as hosts his own show. A show that has garnered two media awards. You can find it at YouTube @SDRadioJoe, you will see me in a vintage Padres hat and can see my shows there. Amy previously managed a bar before acquiring Hilltop Deli.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Of course the customer is our number one focus. Without them, we would sure have a lot of meats and cheeses on our hands. We strive to make each customer feel like they are in our home and we are making them a satisfying lunch. We think our customer service training we have had through the years is now more useful than ever before. We also try to make the best lunches we can… We say “Is it a sandwich WE would like to receive?” If not, we find ways to do better.
Pricing:
- 16.00 is an average for all sandwiches. They always come with a side of signature pasta salad or garden salad or potato salad, or a combination of both. Choice of dressing also, including the wildly popular chipotle ranch which has been a favorite here for many years
- Wide variety of beverages, fountain too
- cookies, snacks, chips, crackers, and more
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hilltopdeli.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilltopdelisd
- Facebook: Amy’s Hilltop Deli El Cajon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sdradiojoe/streams
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hilltop-deli-el-cajon?osq=Hilltop+Deli
