Point Reyes Light - December 26, 2002
David Morales & Marisol Salgado of Pt. Reyes buy deli
By Chez Shadman
Husband and wife David Morales and Marisol Salgado, two long-time Point Reyes Station residents and employees of A Whale of a Deli, have purchased the store and are making last minute preparations to take over proprietorship the first of the year.
The duo’s ownership of the store marks a great personal leap for the couple, as well as another ownership of a storefront for a Latino family in the community. The pair is proud of both accomplishments.
"We have always had the idea of running a business," said Salgado. "The opportunity came about to buy this deli and we decided to take it."
Sharing the building
Current owners, Andy Brier and Rick Trono decided to sell the deli. Its building has been recently converted to include a photo gallery, along with the deli and a Captain Video store.
"Rick and I are moving onto other business opportunities," said Brier. "We will still own the building as well as the video store and gallery."
Brier said he fells the transition in ownership of the deli will not be difficult.
"The truth is, he’s [David’s] been running the store for a while already," said Brier. "I’m absolutely certain they will do an incredible job."
Although managing the deli may be an everyday thing for the couple, as the deadline approaches when the business becomes theirs, the couple said they are experiencing excitement as well as a bit of anxiety.
Business a challenge
"Owning a business will always be a challenge," said Salgado. "We expect to learn a lot from it."
The couple met in Point Reyes Station. Salgado emigrated from Mexico City 14 years ago and Morales moved to Point Reyes Station from Los Angeles six years ago and has been with the deli since the day it opened.
While Salgado talks of going back to school to earn her degree in nursing, she’s confident her husband will be a success as a business owner.
"David is the reason we got this opportunity," said Salgado. "He’s worked very hard here and Andy has seen this."
The Whale of a Deli will join neighboring Café Reyes as a hub of Latino-owned and operated businesses on the southern end of Point Reyes Station.
"The deli will be entirely family run," said Salgado. Salgado’s brother Ernesto, cousin Jorge Sostenes, as well as David’s brother Saul Morales, will all work at the deli.
"Our five-year-old daughter, Itzel, also [will] help greet the customers at the front counter," said Salgado.
Store good opportunity
The basic layout of the store will remain the same, and no food items will be removed from the menu, however some additions will be made.
"We will be adding some Mexican food, extra sandwiches as well as some salads to the menu," said Salgado.
The couple is very excited to be owners of a business in Point Reyes, calling their town "the most beautiful place in the world," said Salgado. "We love the people here and expect a positive response from them. We want to thank Andy and Rick, as well as their families, for this opportunity."