From Sailor to Salami, On to Omelets

Chance brings business owners together, suggestions change menu

When Brian Burke was sailing on a 36' sailboat with two small children, he probably didn't picture himself as a future deli owner. Likewise, Leslie Messick, growing up in the tourist town of West Yellowstone, Montana, probably didn't either. In addition, I'll bet they never guessed that a car dealership, Bruce Smith Automobiles in Seaside, would play a key role in shaping their lives.

Brian is originally from Sacramento California, and retired from 20 years on the fire department in 1988. While he and his family were sailing they met some nice people from the north coast and they came to visit them about five years ago. They never left.

Leslie Messick's family kept coming back to Oregon for vacations and the last time they did she insisted they stay, and not go back to Montana. She had a car she wanted to sell. Brian needed a car. Bruce Smith was the catalyst.

While Leslie did not sell her car to Brian at the time, they did eventually determine that they had a lot in common. Now they have even more in common. Last June they opened the Brown Bagger's Deli in Astoria.

The Brown Bagger's Deli has been a learning experience for both and they are still learning. They recently attended the Sysco Foods convention in Portland to get some good ideas and are going next month to another convention to learn about restaurant equipment.

The goal is to branch out to better accommodate their customers. With just the two of them working, it can get a little hectic sometimes. Leslie for the most part makes the sandwiches, while Brian hops on his bike to make deliveries - a girl's bike that he is not at all worried will ever be stolen while he is in making a delivery. "Deliveries are local," said Leslie."When he's gone, I'm here by myself. It's hard to make sandwiches and help customers at the same time, so he'd better be quick." Their search for new menu items is centered around speed of service to the customer, as well as items that may be made ahead, to cut down on customer waits.

Breakfast items include breads, coffees and teas, hot oatmeal and ham and cheese scramble, up to $3.00 in cost. Lunch items start with half sandwiches or bagels for $3.25 and go up to $7.25 for a whole submarine sandwich. Favorites in the middle are a Muffuletta sandwich from New Orleans and the ingredients for an entire turkey dinner (turkey, cheese, cranberry sauce & sweet potatoes!) on your choice of bread. LCB

Brown Bagger's Deli

Principals: Brian Burke and Leslie Messick, owners

Address: 1269 Commercial Street

Astoria, Oregon 97103

Telephone: 503/325-0325

Hours: 7a - 3p, M - F

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