Shelton couple opens Molly’s Deli & Catering
SHELTON — Debbie Perry had spent nearly two decades working at the power plant in Milford when she was laid off at the height of the pandemic.
It was then the Shelton resident, while helping her ailing father, took a part-time job at Piccolo’s Sunnyside Deli — a longtime staple on River Road. It’s also when her future became crystal clear.
“Once I got laid off, I said to myself, ‘I do not want to go back to an office … have the same old routine,’” Perry said. “I started working here, and I loved it. I loved meeting people … I loved the people I worked with.”
So that made her decision an easy one when Piccolo’s owner mentioned his desire to sell the business.
“Everything just seemed to fall into place,” Perry said, adding she “jumped in.”
And Molly’s Deli & Catering was born.
Debbie and her husband, Frank, purchased the deli earlier this year and along with the name change came improvements to the interior and some additions to the menu.
The new deli now has a revamped sit-down eating area off to the right of the main ordering area, as well as outdoor seating.
While the couple have kept some of the old deli’s favorites, such as meatloaf every Thursday and made-to-order sandwiches daily, they have also added homemade selections, such as eggplant parm, beef empanadas, various soups and meatballs. They also purchased a panini grill.
“The eggplant and Frank’s roast beef — we can’t make enough of it,” Perry said.
The couple also recently started a Saturday sitdown breakfast, highlighted by pancakes and French toast.
They also offer catering and even rent out the newly revamped extra space for private events, including birthdays and bridal showers.
“We always take suggestions, too. We’re open to new ideas,” Perry said. “If it’s not on the menu, ask us. We’re open to change … except the meatloaf every Thursday. Everyone loves it and (our regulars) won’t let us change that.”
For the Perrys, owning this deli is the realization of a dream they tried, but ultimately failed to bring to life years ago. They had teamed up with partners to try and buy a deli in Monroe, but the deal fell through.
But getting a place in their hometown has proven to be even better, they said.
Perry said she was stumped on the name until one night, while lying in bed thinking of what it could be, her 100-pound German shepherd Molly jumped on her, prompting her to yell, “Molly,” and the rest is history.
“I knew this was the right thing to do,” Perry said about buying the deli and making it her own. “Every time I tried to walk away, something just kept bringing me back.
“It was meant to be.”