Behind the Scenes: The Deli
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. We recently took you into the colorful world of Produce. Now we’d like to introduce you to the department that enters beast mode daily: the Deli.
Did you know?
- The Deli is working to eliminate all GMOs or GMO related products from their recipes and moving toward 100% organic products. Presently, they use 82% organic products and constantly look for ways to get to 100%.
- The Deli processes more than 200 lbs. of fresh chicken daily. That means they prep and cook more than three tons per month and 36+ tons in a year.
- Roughly sixty people work in the Deli, about one-third of AFC total employees, at any one time throughout the year.
- One of the most popular dishes is meatloaf and it’s made in SIXTY pound batches. They use ground turkey and Emerald Hills grass-fed beef, alternating the two from one day to the next.
If you’ve ever stepped foot in the Deli, you’ve likely seen Justin Robeson (black backwards hat, 2nd from back right in the photo above). Maybe he took your sandwich order, maybe he delivered your smoothie, or maybe he gave you a sample of soup. He has worked at the Co-op for 8 years, the last 5 years as Assistant Manager of the Deli Kitchen. He was able to escape the Deli hustle and answer a few questions.
Describe your department in three words.
Making miracles happen.
What is the most popular Deli item?
Butternut Squash Lasagna.
If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only take 3 items from the Deli with you what would they be and why?
A knife, a lighter, and the Brandy because I will survive thrive.
Can you tell us a little known fact about your department?
The Deli dishwasher runs more loads than any machine in the Rogue Valley.
What's the busiest time of year for the Deli and why?
Thanksgiving week is the busiest because it is a food holiday. We cater the store meal on the Monday of Thanksgiving week, then prep, cook, and organize Deli Thanksgiving meal orders, and in general are just extra busy in the store… it’s a long week.
Would you rather...
Eat from the hot bar or order off the Deli menu? Order off the Deli Menu.
Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning, Iced Tea in the afternoon.
Smoothie or Kombucha? Smoothie.
Breakfast burrito or breakfast sandwich? Breakfast burrito.
Between the Hot Bar, Cold Salad Bar, Green Salad Bar, Smoothies, Specialty Sandwiches, and Build Your Own Burrito, the Deli has a lot to offer. The selection can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first timer. Even if you’re not, you might be stuck in a rut like me. I could eat Noble Braised Pulled Pork and Butternut Squash Lasagna every day. To help navigate the plethora of choices, here are some staff recommendations.
“It's hard to choose a favorite food item... so I am going to pick two! I LOVE our hummus. It is straight to the point, authentic and is a staple in my fridge. I also love the Sesame Kale Salad on the cold bar. It's gingery and delicious,” says Deli Chef Adriann Ribis.
Deli Chef James Whitmire favors the breakfast burrito. “My favorite Deli Food right now is the basic breakfast burrito. It really gets me powered up in the morning. You can’t beat fluffy organic eggs, melted pepper jack cheese and tater tots. If you really want to get crazy, you could add a little Cholula or salsa in there.”
That’s the Deli. A dynamic department churning out 60 lb batches of meatloaf and meeting the vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, on-the-go meal needs of the Rogue Valley. Next up, we’ll talk salmon, beef, chicken and turkey and meet the Meat Department.
More Co-op News
April Change for Good Recipient: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
April's Change for Good Recipient is
A Visit with Rolling Hills
Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.
A Visit with Magnolia Farms
Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Visit with Emerald Hills
Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker
Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.
March Change for Good Recipient: North Mountain Park Nature Center
March's Change for Good Recipient is
North Mountain Park Nature Center,
a division of Ashland Parks and Recreation, that encompasses demonstration gardens, a nature playground, and approximately 14 acres of Natural Area that is managed for wildlife preservation and public education.
February Change for Good Recipient: Ashland High Arts Advocates
January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring
Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.
Coronavirus Preparedness at the Co-op
Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.
Shopping Safely & Efficiently
As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.
In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:
10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times
By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.
Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.
Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers
To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask.
From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror
By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee
Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk?
November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges
It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.