BROOKLINE – A deli in Brookline, Massachusetts isn’t just known for its sandwiches; they are also loved for their generosity to the community.
Serving sandwiches since 1977
Since 1977, Michael’s Deli has been serving sandwiches in the heart of Brookline’s Coolidge Corner.
“We can be who we are, this company becomes an extension of my personality,” says owner Steven Peljovich, who bought the deli thirteen years ago. “So I tell everyone we’re going to treat you like family. We’re going to take care of you, we’re going to love you, we’re going to hate you, we’re going to maybe curse you out.”
Peljovich is behind the counter with his children almost every day, where he cuts, stacks and serves delicious sandwiches to his customers.
“It’s a lot of fun, I tease him, he teases me, we keep each other under control,” said Peljovich’s youngest son, who has been helping at the deli since he was five.
Do Good Mondays
Michael’s Deli is also known in Brookline for their generosity.
“We used to be closed on Mondays,” Peljovich says. “And I was like, you know what? I’m going to be open on Mondays again, I’m going to do a short four-hour day and we’re going to call it Do Good Mondays.”
Every Monday for four hours, a portion of their sales are donated to a specific charity, such as the Brookline Food Pantry.
“We serve over 700 families per week at our food pantry,” said Elizabeth Bowen of the Brookline Food Pantry. “And honestly, his donations could help 100 of those people in a week.”
The small business has made a big impact in helping the less fortunate in the community.
“When someone like Steven really makes this a priority for his company, it really helps us to be able to raise the funds we need to stay consistent,” Bowen said.