Keeping the foundation

EPHRATA – Country Deli on Basin Street in Ephrata was recently bought by siblings Gabriela and Jeovani Dircio. The pair said they’re committed to staying the course and keeping the current menu the same while doing a bit of a refresh in other aspects of the business.

“It’s a great place,” said Gabriela. “We were raised in Ephrata and Grant County and Country Deli holds a lot of great memories to ourselves and the community.”

While the staff lineup and the breakfast and lunch menus are going to stay the same, Jeovani said he and his sister are planning some refreshes that they think customers will appreciate. They’re working on updating landscaping around the restaurant to add more outdoor seating, replacing some of the kitchen equipment – the point of sale system, including the cash register, has already been replaced to help diners check out more quickly – and updating a few pieces of decor. The heart of the place will remain the same, though, because he and Gabriela have a lot of fond memories of Country Deli from growing up in the area.

Keeping the restaurant a place where the community comes to enjoy a meal and spend time together is important for them, the pair said. They’re looking to expand on that by offering mimosas in the morning and opening for dinner in the coming months. Making sure everyone feels welcome when the doors are open is also important. Keeping the feeling of community that allows diners to speak with one another and the staff is a key element of what makes running the restaurant fun and engaging, they said.

“Seeing more faces, having conversations, getting to know more people and then getting to know the team (has been a good part of buying the business),” Gabriela said.

The staff, several of whom know customers by name and favorite foods, aren’t going anywhere, Jeovani said, though the restaurant is looking to fill positions that are already open and will add staff when they open for dinner service.

“It’s all a big, happy family as far as staff,” he said.

Jeovani said he hasn’t really had any surprises as far as stepping into the restaurant business goes. He also owns Dircio's Landscaping and has an enthusiasm for running businesses and taking care of clients.

“My passion has always been about running businesses,” he said. “I’m a businessman. I like to meet people.”

Jeovani and Gabriela both have favorites on the current menu at Country Deli. Gabriela likes the biscuits and gravy while Jeovani is more of a carnivore. The pair hasn’t finalized a dinner menu as yet, but they’re open to suggestions from the public, especially if diners have requests. Jeovani appeared to be committed to a steak dish – served with cocktails once the business is properly licensed, he said.

The sister and brother want to make sure that Country Deli is a place where the community can come with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, they said. Whether it’s retirees visiting over a breakfast platter or a family sharing a meal, everyone’s welcome, they said. And there won’t be any surprise changes. The core of the business will remain the same with good food and good service.

“Give us a chance,” Jeovanni said. “We’re hoping to improve a few things and keep the restaurant more comfortable and inviting.”

R. Hans Miller may be reached at editor@columbiabasinherald.com.

Country Deli

245 Basin Street NW

Ephrata, WA 98823

509-754-3143

Daily: 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner hours coming soon

https://bit.ly/CNTRYDELI

Apply by dropping off a resume at the restaurant.