Summer jobs often serve as stepping stones for young adults, but for Curtis deLagerheim, they turned into a lifelong passion. The warmth of Grinders 13, a cherished sandwich shop in Salt Lake City, has stayed with him long after his farewell to college life. The establishment, which began as The Original Sub Shop in 1973, has woven itself into the fabric of the local community. The allure of Grinders 13 stems not only from its mouthwatering sandwiches but also from the sentimental value it holds for a generation of customers who’ve returned over the decades.
Curtis’s connection to this iconic eatery began in his college years, where a simple part-time job morphed into a 10-year tenure. Under the guidance of Moe and Sylvia, the original owners, he became engrossed in the rhythm of the shop, learning the ins and outs of running a beloved community hub. This experience wouldn’t just influence his career; it would eventually shape the future of Grinders 13 itself.
The Transition of Ownership: A Trustworthy Legacy
Upon completing his military service and returning to Salt Lake City, Curtis faced a pivotal decision; Moe and Sylvia were ready to sell a location of their well-established business. With ample experience and a love nurtured over years of hard work, he made the bold choice to take the helm. Transitioning ownership in local businesses can be daunting, yet Curtis’s rapport with the previous owners ensured a smooth shift. The trust they had in him allowed Moe and Sylvia to step back from the business they had dedicated their lives to, knowing it would remain in capable hands.
Owning an established company has its advantages, particularly one as cherished as Grinders 13. Curtis inherited a loyal customer base, with reports indicating approximately 60-70% of clientele returning regularly. Many have fond memories of their youth spent at the eatery—nostalgic afternoons filled with sandwiches and laughter. As Curtis reflects, the high school crowd from the ’80s formed the backbone of frequent patronage, laying the foundation for new relationships with subsequent generations.
Innovation Meets Tradition: Bridging the Old and the New
While maintaining the old-school charm of Grinders 13 was Curtis’s priority, he also recognized the need for modernization to attract new customers. The sandwiches remained true to their original recipes, preserving the very essence that made them legendary. Curtis adopted a no-frills approach to the menu: “If it wasn’t here in 1973, you’re not gonna find it on the menu.” This policy appeals to long-time loyalists and speaks to the commitment to authenticity.
However, Curtis didn’t shy away from the digital age. Delving into social media outreach helped him capture the attention of younger audiences. By employing techniques like Facebook geo-tagging and collaborating with local food influencers, Curtis expanded the shop’s reach. Recognizing the influence of food writers in the realm of social media, he offered gift certificates in exchange for promotion. These partnerships provided measurable results, drawing in diverse groups of hungry patrons ready to sample what Grinders 13 had to offer.
As convenience becomes paramount in modern dining, Curtis has tapped into third-party food delivery services like Grubhub, aiming to capture the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s consumers. Moreover, he’s considering implementing a sophisticated point-of-sale system that consolidates orders from various platforms, streamlining operations and reducing stress during peak hours.
The Fluctuating Nature of Business: Navigating Challenges
Operating a business entails a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and even for seasoned owners like Curtis, unpredictability remains part of the game. One day could see a rush of customers filling the restaurant, while the next could bring a stark contrast. Curtis describes it humorously, suggesting that, “It’s like someone alerted the media saying today’s the day to go!” Such variability highlights the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of the food industry.
Curtis has identified trends in diner attendance, acknowledging seasonal fluctuations that tend to coincide with academic calendars. Summer months generally see a lull, but the allure of Grinders 13 reignites with the school year, especially during the holiday season. Yet even with an insightful grasp of business rhythms, unexpected crises occasionally arise. Curtis faced such a challenge recently, when a malfunctioning freezer threatened to disrupt operations. Luckily, his swift access to financing through OnDeck provided the lifeline needed to resolve the issue without significant downtime.
Building Community Through Connections
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of running Grinders 13 for Curtis is the relationships cultivated with customers. Each visit is not just about a sale or a sandwich; it’s about fostering friendships. Curtis emphasizes that his connections have evolved over time—each customer a new chapter in the story of Grinders 13. The ability to share light-hearted moments, the joy of regular interactions, and the comfort of shared history turn what could simply be a business transaction into heartfelt encounters.
In the world of food service, where competition is fierce and innovation is crucial, Curtis deLagerheim serves as a testament to the enchanting balance of honoring the past while bravely stepping into the future. Grinders 13 is not just a sandwich shop; it’s a legacy of community, tradition, and connection—qualities that Curtis continues to uphold with remarkable passion and dedication.