Small-town resident debates offering new business owner advice after he takes over their local deli and begins making renovations and changes to the beloved store, causing residents to stop shopping there: 'Now I go in, and it's empty'

Author image for Emma Saven
Emma Saven
Dec 21, 2025 7:00 PM EST

Sometimes it can be challenging to differentiate between whether advice is coming from a place of care or a place of criticism…But perhaps it could be coming from both, simultaneously. This community was a huge fan of their local deli and all those who worked there. Its atmosphere, its appreciation towards regulars…it was just a place where the town locals could gather and feel at home. But unfortunately, small-town changes do happen, as rare as they may be. This deli owner decided it's time to hang up his apron, and sold the bakery to a man from out of town! 

Now, to put it into perspective for you all: Imagine the upheaval that would be unleashed if Luke from Gilmore Girls sold his restaurant to 'some guy' from Hartford. And then suddenly 'some guy' started making all these changes to the menu, the interior, and couldn't quite grasp what their 'usuals' were referring to… Yes, now that you have the visual chaos going on in Stars Hollow, well, it's sort of like that. These small-town locals don't know where to place themselves, yet we all know the one place they seem to be avoiding…However, one of the local women pities this new deli-owner and wants to offer him a piece of advice that could flip the fate of the deli around!

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  • This resident didn't want this business-owner's once-loved deli to crash and burn, debating whether or not giving him some advice on his ‘changes’ would be more unsolicited or beneficial. But she seems to understand how much he wants his business to succeed, and if she could help him achieve that goal, perhaps saying something wouldn't be that detrimental after all?

  • 01
    Proud business owner standing in front of his deli
    via monkeybusinessimages

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02

    Should I tell the new deli owner what's wrong?

    We have a long- standing deli in our small town that's always had a steady business with regulars.
    via AppendixN
  • 03
    Really cute little place, lots of character. They had a cabinet where regulars kept their personal coffee cups.
    via AppendixN
  • 04
    Silly signs all over the seating area, framed t-shirts from local businesses, nice cozy colors, things like that.
    via AppendixN
  • 05
    The owner sold it to a guy from out of town. He's super nice, always chatting with everyone, and clearly wants the place to work.
    via AppendixN
  • 06
    But he rearranged everything, painted the walls white, took down all the local things, and even took away the coffee cup cabinet.
    via AppendixN
  • 07
    Business has dropped off dramatically. I used to go in to get a breakfast sandwich in the morning and there would be 8-12 people in there.
    via AppendixN
  • 08
    Now I go in and it's empty. I don't want to offer unsolicited advice, that feels rude.
    via AppendixN
  • 09
    Two employees standing behind and organizing the deli counter
    via kzenon2

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 10
    But I hate to see him losing business, he's such a nice guy.
    via AppendixN
  • 11
    AIDef Had a similar experience recently at my fav cocktail bar where I'm friendly with the owner. They hired a new bartender that SUUUCKED. I asked owner "Are you open to some feedback on new guy?" He said "Sure" and I gave him specific examples of how dude was not making cocktails correctly. Owner seemed surprised but grateful, and the cocktails improved. I honestly fault owner for clearly not observing/training bartender because after chatting with the new guy I learned he had worked at a spor
    via AIDef
  • 12
    OP AppendixN "Are you open to some feedback" is a great approach. I'll think of a good way to phrase that in this case so he feels okay saying "no, I'm not," and I'll try that.
    via AppendixN
  • 13
    Lissypooh628 Honestly, if he's approachable, I think you should do it privately.
    via Lissypooh628
  • 14
    OP AppendixN Yeah, maybe I should hang out in there for a while and wait until it comes up naturally in conversation. He's a real warm and friendly guy, likes to sit and chat when he has time.
    via AppendixN
  • 15
    Aggressive-Spray7823 Suggest that he watch the series: Corner Gas
    via Aggressive-Spray7823
  • 16
    Significant-Ship-665 I would. Most small business owners will have their own ideas, but, often are willing to listen. You can't do any harm by trying. Keep us updated
    via Significant-Ship-665
  • 17
    Concentrated woman working at a cafe, drinking a coffee
    via jacoblund

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 18
    heyyabesties Our town had a local sandwich shop open up, it wasn't doing well. The owner of a local burger place down the street offered help. Sandwich shop owner basically told burger guy to pound sand. It was out of business within a year. To add insult they sold gift cards throughout the holiday season then closed their doors beginning of January. Burger guy told everyone he would honor those gift cards himself. He's a real class act and very involved in the community. It's easy to see why hi
    via heyyabesties
  • 19
    Scared-Currency288 You should absolutely find a way to tell him this. Everybody would win if he takes it to heart
    via Scared-Currency288
  • 20
    Snoo_31427 We had something similar here where a packed little waffle spot/cafe decided to go dark- literally, they painted the entire cute white farmhouse an asphalt color, took away the sweet welcoming sign, and now it's just ominous and almost invisible in the shadow of the trees. Hopefully the owners read Reddit bc my town's Reddit went wild criticizing it!
    via Snoo_31427
  • 21
    typhoidmarry He probably doesn't know the local "vibe". Ask if he's open to suggestions and give him a compliment sandwich. Compliment, then suggestions then compliment. Local places can be wonderful for the community, I hope he can turn it around!
    via typhoidmarry
  • 22
    Dramastace30 Unfortunately I think the damage has already been done.
    via Dramastace30
  • 23
    SameEntry4434 There used to be a really great little grocery store in one of my home towns. It was a mom and pop grocery store, the kind that let people have credit, etc. Even though larger and less expensive stores were in the area, this little grocery store was always packed because it was fun and you saw everybody you knew and somehow, it all seemed worth the price. After decades, the owner retired and sold his business. The new people came in and changed the layout of the store to optimize i
    via SameEntry4434

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renovations local advice deli ownership
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