Standing in line inside the quaint, yet bustling atmosphere of Broadway’s popular lunchtime restaurant, WD Deli’s choices seem endless in an array of delectable delights, inspired by the creative genius of owner, Wayne Beers. Scrumptious salads like the new Sesame Asian or the Grilled Chicken Caesar is amongst the restaurant’s favorites. Appetizing specialty sandwiches include Chicken Chipotle Parmesan, (Wayne’s favorite) Ruben, The Vegetarian and the list goes on and on. Savory soups served daily are listed from Chicken Tortilla, Tomato Basil to Turkey Vegetable. And for dessert, homemade cakes by the slice including Triple Chocolate and Carrot, tasty dessert bars, scrumptious cookies and so much more.
Wayne Beers is no stranger to San Antonio and while, WD Deli has only been in existence at its new Broadway location for five years, the restaurant, is an old–time favorite to San Antonio patrons, as it first took life in the interior of Olmos Park 17 years ago.
Longtime friend Michael Bobo joined Wayne full–time in 2001, taking over the restaurant’s catering, ordering, and buying departments.
BROADWAY’S FAVORITE DELI The innovation behind Beers’ creation for a popular neighborhood restaurant began shortly after college. In fact, Wayne enrolled in dental school before realizing that wasn’t his true passion. Instead, he began learning the restaurant trade, working at other popular hangouts like Cappy’s on Broadway. He knew he wanted to open a restaurant, but there were other factors to consider. “I wanted to create something cozy,” he says. “Just for lunch.”
Born in New York City, he grew up somewhat familiar with the retail business. His uncle owned a corner grocery store in the city. His favorite afternoons were spent at small delis. “I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere,” he adds. “People know who you are. You become like family.”
Thus, Wayne brought his inspiration to San Antonio where in 1990 he opened his first restaurant in Olmos Park. “We started on a shoe string budget,” he admits. Close friends pulled up their sleeves to serve, wait tables and help create the atmosphere Wayne had only yet imagined. “Almost immediately, we were successful.”
Five years ago, Wayne decided to survey his customers to find out where patrons were driving from to his restaurant, and if they preferred a different location than the one currently in Olmos Park. Customers’ comments revealed they preferred the idea of a restaurant located inside a historical restored house. This intrigued Wayne as he felt it was time to seek a new location. “It was all meant to be,” he says proudly. The location on Broadway, where they are located today, was a vacant two story old house that was in desperate need of restoration. “I had an idea. I saw its potential,” says Wayne. “It took us about nine months to renovate and create the atmosphere we have today.” They moved in early 2002. Since its launch, business for the restaurant increased by at least 50 percent.
DELECTABLY DELICIOUS The picturesque charm of WD Deli is an eclectic mix of oldtime memorabilia and contemporary ambiance. Customers who frequent the restaurant range from downtown professionals to business owners, college students, families and friends. “We’ve watched kids grow up here from the time they are young to after college,” tells Wayne. “It’s a special feeling.” Downstairs in the dining area, customers enjoy a range of menu options, while upstairs oftentimes, a meeting is in process, as many companies choose WD Deli to host luncheons for business meetings. “We also do lunchboxes for working lunches,” shares Wayne. Downstairs and spiraling up on the walls to the second floor, are approximately 150 art–designed plates decorating the walls. “Customers bring in new ones for us to display and add to the collection,” describes Wayne.
One of the very first menu choices included the ever–popular Caesar salad straight from his grandfather’s kitchen. In fact, the handwritten recipe by his grandfather hangs proudly framed in the kitchen of Wayne’s home. Most all of the recipes are created by Wayne himself, although, many customer’s have offered new ideas for kitchen creations that Wayne has happily made apart of the restaurant’s regular menu items. “I enjoy receiving ideas from our customers,” says Wayne. “We are always looking to evolve and change to incorporate new recipes.” Salads are a customer favorite. In fact, Mike’s salad and the Sesame Asian Salad are new creations recently added to the menu. “We love to get our ideas through travel,” tells Wayne. New Orleans, Dallas Houston and New York offer inspirational ideas for their palette.
There are many plans for the future at this quaint and trendy lunchtime favorite. A future venture could be to expand WD Deli to a franchise opportunity throughout Texas and the United States. WD Deli is currently in the process of writing a cookbook with renowned publishing company, Simon & Schuster. It is expected for release sometime next year. “The book focuses more on entertainment than a traditional cookbook,” describes Wayne. Wayne insists the rewards are constant, as he and a friendly, outgoing staff continue to greet customers with smiles, conversation and plenty of mouthwatering food to go around. “Of course there are financial rewards,” says Wayne. “But the friends and wonderful relationships we build with our clients is the greatest reward of all.”
“All our personal relationships with people make it a rewarding job,” adds Michael. “You not only are selling food, but providing nourishment and a great environment. We call our customers by name. We know our customers. It’s like going to a bar and saying, “I’ll have my usual.”
