By Natalya Bucuy • The Current Contributing Writer
In July, Caitlin Moyer, the owner of Cindy’s Deli on Main Rd. in Lehighton, took her annual summer vacation. She had to run a quick errand and stop by the Deli during her time off. To her amazement, someone had dumped and spread stone on the deli’s driveway and parking area. “My driveway was a little rough, especially from years of rain and snow,” she recalls. “It was so beautiful, and I was so touched. It was a complete surprise!”
One of the most important aspects of running a small business is the relationship with the local community. After all, the loyalty of the local patrons and friends is what keeps the business afloat. The good deed from a mysterious good samaritan showed that Moyer had some locals on her side. Two weeks later, Moyer found out that her business’ neighbors were behind the surprise renovation.
Her story is a bit unconventional. The owner of Cindy’s deli for ten years, Moyer opened the business when she was only 21 years old. An aspiring educator, Moyer worried that the demand for teaching was decreasing at the time. “I realized that there might be limited jobs for graduates in the field,” she says. “I decided to take a chance by opening a delicatessen, which I thought was my best option. I was already working at a small local deli, so I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to accomplish and bring to our community.”
Moyer named her deli after her mother-in-law, Cindy, who passed away in 2002 from a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Moyer runs the deli in her memory.
“The biggest challenge I faced was getting people to take me seriously as an entrepreneur,” she says. “I think a lot of people assumed I had just taken over my parents’ business or was an employee. It was also quite an adjustment to have such a huge responsibility so early in my adult life. I worked really hard to make myself a legitimate contender in the business climate around me by being present and trying to do my best every day.”
A decade later, Moyer is still going strong. She loves connecting with her customers through heartfelt conversations. Her favorite parts of the job include getting to know her patrons, making events extra special by providing catered food, and making simple and delicious sandwiches every day.
“We have a basic menu, but I like to mix it up and create something tasty and fun,” she says. Her personal favorite is the Italian Hoagie. “I think I like it so much because of how all the cold cuts work together to make a great hoagie,” she says. “I also just really love Salami.” Hot dogs are another favorite. The deli hosts Weenie Wednesdays every week, offering two hot dogs with up to three different toppings for $2. “Chili, cheese, and sauerkraut make up our standard specialty toppings,” she says. Moyer also offers a “Featured Weenie of the Day” and gets wild and creative. “I’ve put blueberries on a hot dog,” she says. Other unusual topics have included Macaroni and Cheese and cheesy corn. “I try to keep in mind that a hot dog is just a vessel, which can be totally customized,” she says. “Nothing is made to be gross or off-putting, but work together with the dog to give it some pizazz.”
Originally from Effort, PA.., Moyer now lives in Kunkletown with her husband, Adam. When she’s not creating deli masterpieces she enjoys reading and playing with her two dogs, Stanley and Teddy.
“My deli is a combination of small corner stores and South Jersey and South Philly delicatessens that I grew up on,” Moyer says. “I like to say we make regular food for regular people. I think my business stands out because it is truly a “small business. Just a small-town eatery trying to make it in the big world.”
For more information, visit cindysdeli.com.
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