Food's the Way to Deli Owner's Heart

Ric Castriotta studied architectural drawing in college, then went to work in construction. Like many people who work in construction, Castriotta also worked a side job -- for him it was in restaurants.

Castriotta, who owns Casual Catering & Deli, worked at Leo's in Bristol for 10 years before finally making the move to his own business, located at 230 Waseca Ave. in Barrington.

Castriotta liked the idea of owning an established business -- Casual Catering & Deli has been around for 20 years, and he knew he needed a change from construction.

"Construction takes a toll on the body," he said. "And I love to cook."

The former owner, Donny St. Angelo, sold Castriotta the business in the spring last year, and along with the business went the employees and the clientele.

"All the people that worked for Donny stayed on," said Castriotta, adding that he appreciated that fact, and he thinks his customers do, too.

Among those who stayed on is St. Angelo's daughter, Deena; Deena's grandmother and her bookclub friends, and St. Angelo himself, who was in on a recent Friday buying a sandwich for lunch.

Castriotta said one of the best things about his new business is the opportunity to meet lots of people.

"The people who come in here are very nice," he said. "It's great to see our regulars, as well as meet new people who come in."

At Casual Catering & Deli, customers can enjoy a sandwich, calzone, soup, or salad, or choose from one of the range of appetizers or entrees on the menu. A board shows daily sandwich specials, and all sandwiches come with a side-dish.

Castriotti said about half the business is the storefront, and the other half is catering, which he said is "a lot of fun."

When catering events, he said, he makes sure there is always a lot of food, and just like in the deli, "everything is fresh daily and homemade."

Casual Catering & Deli is open Monday and Saturday from 9 to 3, and Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 5, and they provide free delivery in the area.