Meet Nate Kauffman of Theda’s Delicatessen
by Linda Herman

I'm going to say something from the very beginning and perhaps it will reflect a bit of a bias, so please forgive me.
A visit to Theda's Delicatessen on County Line Road in Hatboro is like a little oasis for this transplanted Philadelphia girl. They have the BEST rye bread around...... like the kind I buy at my favorite bakery on Castor Avenue in Philadelphia. And that's just the beginning of why I say it's a bit of an "oasis." It took my speaking with Nate Kauffman, Theda's owner, manager and chief bottle-washer, to understand why it feels like a home away from home.

Let's start at the beginning. First, Nate comes from a long line of "Deli Mavens." In fact, he's a third generation pro behind the meat slicer! His grandfather, Nathan Kauffman was the owner of Wilson's Prime Meats at Broad and Olney in Philadelphia. That's where Nate's father, Stanley, worked and where Nate, starting at the ripe "young" age of 12, got his first job "cutting meat." I looked at his hands as he remembered those early days, and noticed they were blemish free – I couldn't see one cut. "Yeh, I'm a meat cutter by trade. And yeh, back then my hands would  get somewhat beat-up. Today, I cut meat a little less often and when I do, I wear gloves to protect my hands. It makes a difference."

I was surprised that a 12 year old would cut meat. After all, anyone who witnesses someone cutting their corned beef, roast beef or cheese, knows it's a tricky job. You've got to be coordinated and alert all the time. You can't miss a step or you could miss a finger! So what kind of counsel did he get from his father? With a smile Nate said, "Just keep your fingers away from the blade." Okay. That works for me!!!

Nate and his brother, Michael, worked at Wilson's, alongside their father until close to 2007. I realized after Nate shared how old he was when he started working at the deli, etc., that here's a guy who has acquired almost 37 years in all aspects of the deli business.  And now, he's not just a "meat cutter," he's the whole "enchilada," or should I say the whole "corned beef special." He's a successful businessman in an industry that faces heavy competition from today's full service supermarkets and he works hard, happily with a smile.

I asked Nate what made him decide to continue in the "family business." "My dad made it look so easy. He made it look fun. And I never really contemplated working with anything else other than deli. I liked it from the very beginning. I watched how my father and grandfather worked their business and saw how they grew it – I learned many valuable lessons behind that counter. I think I liked the work and the people-aspect of what we were doing. Wilson's was very customer oriented and that made a real impression on me."

While we were talking, sitting alongside the newly-added refrigerated displays holding fruits and vegetables, a customer walked in. I was thinking about the "customer service" that Nate had mentioned earlier and saw first hand exactly what he was talking about. The gentleman walked in and went over to the counter with two little bundles he had picked up the day before. Smiling, Nate asked if he could help, and with a smile returned, the gentleman said he had picked up ham instead of the roast beef he had wanted. "No problem." said Nate. "We'll just give you what you wanted." No brow beating required. No yelling, no screaming. It was just one of those pleasant exchanges that Nate Kauffman has everyday. I commented that aside from the pleasantry, it was just plain good customer service. And that's what Nate specializes in.... not just good food.

A year ago, he opened Theda's Delicatessan. Named after his mother, Theda Greenman, he said he felt it would bring him good luck. It has. I wanted to find out how he landed in Hatboro. That's when we spoke briefly about his time operating Greenman's Delicatessen in Philadelphia. Originally owned by his uncle, this was Nate's inital foray into owning and running his own deli. It was his experience there that provided the impetus for him to move his operation into Bucks County. And he has no regrets. "This was really the best location available. It enables me to still service my existing customers from Northeast Philadelphia, while also bringing something needed to this area. And I love it here. The people we serve are great, so nice. They appreciate our service, our prices and the product. They have a genuine respect for what we're doing here." And he's doing a lot.

From the outside, as you approach Theda's Delicatessan, you might not realize you are about to enter "deli heaven." Inside you'll discover a wide variety of meats, cheeses, homemade salads, fresh rolls and bread, big fat kosher pickels in a barrel, etc. He has the best homemade turkey around. There's nothing processed about it. My sister loves his chicken salad, as do we. And his cole slaw, well it's great. Why? Well, of course, because Nate uses his father's recipe!!!

Theda's is where you go when you want the best turkey hoagie around. If you need a tray for company, Theda's will do the job for a better-than-right price. Nate is now carrying fresh fruit, vegetables, milk and eggs..... you can't buy cereal or coffee there, yet..... but stay tuned. Nate Kauffman's Theda's is the corner deli you may have known and now miss. If you haven't known a corner deli, go to Theda's to find out what you have been missing.

I asked Nate a loaded question next........ every good lawyer knows, you only ask questions that you know the answers to! I wanted to hear what he thought made a business like Theda's a success. With twinkling eyes he quickly said, "Hard work and consistency." Well that's true and it's undeniable that Nate continues to work hard, and he does provide good quality and service consistently. But personally, I think it's the "man" behind the counter that is making Theda's succeed. I've witnessed Nate bring his corner deli to life in an area that might not otherwise support a "corner deli." This corner deli is part of the community it serves. There's talk, there's humor, there's warmth and camaraderie. There's heart. You feel good when you go to Theda's. And, remember, you get the BEST rye bread in the area!!!

And one more thing, where else can you get a pound of ham and a pound of American cheese for $5.49? Can you get a pound of roast beef and a pound of American cheese anywhere else for $6.99? Taught by his father, that if “The Price is Right” your customers will come, Nate keeps his prices right. And STILL carries the best rye bread around?!

When you go to Theda's you'll probably meet Nate's lovely wife, Stephanie. She's worked with Nate almost since they've been married, and that's 21 years. It's clear the romance is still alive between them – just ask about the ketsup that ended up on Nate's summer duds when they first met! They have three daughters, Deborah, Paige and Lexi. I commented that that's three weddings. "I know," he responded shaking his head. Above all, Nate's a devoted family man who even offered his daughter the right to drive his prized Corvette. Now that's a father's love!!! (P.S. She refused the offer.)

Clearly, you can tell I like Nate Kauffman. I like the "corner deli" he's created, because it's a lot more than just a corner deli. Appearances are definitely deceiving. Go inside, take a whiff and look around. You just might feel at home. I know I do. And while you're there say "Hi!" to Nate..... he's not just your ordinary "deli man." Just ask his wife, Stephanie...... he's a "businessman."

Thedas Delicatessen
275 E. County Line Road
Hatboro, PA 19040
215-444-9171