Family values and connections are very important to Tracey Arakelian, Greg Slocum, and Ira Mendelson, partners in Positano Imports and Catering, an Italian delicatessen and specialty food shop in Latham. The store opened in September 2010 and has had a strong presence in the area since then.
Tracey and Greg are siblings who grew up spending a lot of time in the kitchen, and were always surrounded by food. With an Italian father and Irish mother, good food was plentiful and always being prepared. Both Tracey and Greg have great childhood memories and a strong commitment to family, which they bring to their customers every day.
“We always loved to cook when we were kids, and were always watching the food channels. It was just in us. Even my own children (ages 9 and 7) help out in the kitchen now, I love it. We try to cook dinner every night, even though I’m cooking here all day, it’s a really important time of day for us,” said Arakelian.
As far as having that family connection in the store, she said, “We take everybody’s name when they come in to place their order … they really seem to appreciate that.” The staff, which includes two certified chefs and a baker, wants to get to know their customers on a first name basis. With many who return on a regular basis, it’s not hard to do.
The delicatessen is especially known for specialty meats, namely the soppressata (an Italian pepperoni of sorts). This flavorful meat is used on their Italian mixed sandwich and adds a nice burst of pleasing tanginess among the mix of other elements, which include provolone cheese, assorted meats, lettuce, onions and peppers. Imported prosciutto, fresh mozzarella along with specialty pastas and sauces add to the authentic Italian goods available.
The busiest time for the deli is lunch, and offerings at two different price points accommodate customers from those looking for hearty lunches, to those looking for a lighter mid-day meal.
According to Arakelian, averages for lunch with a basic specialty sandwich is around $8.29 and a light fare menu with less meat is around $6.29. All items are a la carte.
Two popular sandwiches during the lunch rush are a chicken cutlet with fresh mozzarella, and peppermill turkey with dill havarti cheese. There is always a special panini of the day and fresh soups (clam chowder on Fridays). Another customer favorite, according to Arakelian, is the Cape Cod chicken salad sandwich. That sandwich is made with roasted chicken, celery, red onion, candied walnuts (made on the premises) and purple grapes.
Everything is made from scratch at Positanos, and that is paramount to their philosophy which centers around fresh foods, personal customer service and offering specialty foods along with everyday items. To that end, they offer dinners available for pick up called family bundles, and freshly sliced cold cuts.
“Busy people can still have a home-made meal. We do dinner bundles every night, which serves four. A typical dinner bundle is Chicken Picatta with pasta, bread and salad for $19.95,” said Arakelian.
Positano buys local when possible and seeks out local products through their wholesalers. Fresh produce is delivered every day. The deli also offers catering, (corporate catering is a bulk of that aspect of their business), and baked goods which include black and white cookies, birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies with raspberry jam and éclairs.
They also work with and donate to the regional food bank, local businesses and a local attorney in efforts to donate to the American Cancer Society.
“It’s a fun business, fast moving and I like serving my customers. To see people walking in the door and coming back again because they like what you make, it’s an honor,” said Arakelian.
There is room to seat about 20 customers inside, and weather permitting, 10 outside.
Positano Catering and Imports is located at 1202 Troy Schenectady Road (Rte. 7) in the Citizen’s Bank Plaza, Latham. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
