While businesses come and go in downtown Los Altos, one family-owned eatery has stood the test of time for decades in its corner of town.
Mike and Joanne Mansch, the husband-wife team behind Alotta’s Deli & Catering in south Los Altos, this year celebrate their 30th anniversary of ownership.
“It snuck up on us,” Mike said of the years since he and Joanne bought the deli – named after the original Italian owners – in 1985, keeping the name but little else.
Alotta’s is known for its freshly made Italian-style sandwiches – but don’t call it a “sandwich shop.” Mike prefers “delicatessen” because the business also caters weddings, graduation parties and even Thanksgiving dinners. The specialty and fan-favorite is the “Los Altos,” a combination of bacon, avocado and turkey on bread baked fresh daily. It’s a classic combo, Mike said, like “PBJ or chocolate chip cookies.” Local residents online agree – and recommend the sourdough.
The deli has garnered a reputation for freshness and quality service. Sliced turkey and bread are prepared each morning onsite, and cooks create their own sauces. Sandwiches cost $7-$9.
The establishment is well frequented by a base of loyal customers, many of whom have been returning for years – Joanne said she’s seen some of the kids as babies come back as adults with their own children.
“We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and knowing what they want,” said the self-described “subdued” half to Mike’s “Chatty Cathy” character.
“I tend to talk,” Mike said.
“Really?” Joanne quipped in response.
It’s a good thing he’s friendly, because Mike’s often manning the counter and ringing up orders.
“It’s a people’s business, and I enjoy being inquisitive – that’s who I am, but I’m really there for QC – quality control,” he said. “I try to watch every order and make sure it goes out right.”
Power duo
The couple grew up in the Bay Area, raised with “blue-collar” backgrounds, they said, and met while attending different high schools. While Joanne worked retail in the area, Mike shined shoes at Loyola Corners next door to a beauty shop run by his aunt. He eventually purchased the shoeshine stand and – while working management at a grocery store in the mid-’80s – saw the opportunity to buy the sandwich shop he passed on his commute to work. The rest is history.
Back then, he said, kids had a different kind of hustle, which is one of the reasons he enjoys hiring kids from large families – “they know they just got to do it,” he said.
Alotta’s is looking to hire, and the couple likes employing college and high school students willing to focus and able to sweat it out under the Mike’s mentorship.
“I’m not the easiest guy to work under,” he admitted. “You learn to work with what you have. If you’re out of dimes, go for two nickels. You have to think on both feet, and, at the end of the day, you have to make it right.”
Elsewhere in the community, the power duo behind Alotta’s has been involved with organizations that fight cancer and Lou Gehrig’s disease. Both have served for years in Rotary Club youth programs in Los Altos and Cupertino and like to support local businesses.
What’s next for the delicatessen? No plans are set yet – but it could stay in Mansch hands, as one of the couple’s daughters, Melissa, has joined her parents behind the counter after graduating from Santa Clara University. While the future isn’t decided, the two in charge appreciate where they’ve gone so far.
“I want to thank all the customers,” Joanne said. “The long-term customers, famous customers, everyone who’s helped us stay here for 30 years.”
Alotta’s Deli & Catering is located at 2249 Grant Road, Los Altos. For more information, call 967-0299 or visit alottasdeli.com.
