In 1973 Erik Johnson used a little over $400 to transform a 600 square foot delicatessen and bakery in Scotts Valley into the first Erik’s DeliCafé. Lacking experience in the restaurant industry, Johnson quickly enlisted the help of his family. Ray Johnson, Erik’s Father, created homemade soups, his mother, Dolores, made deli salads and baked goods while his brother, Chris, an attorney, handled the lease negotiations. Judy, Johnson’s wife-to-be, worked behind the counter and helped with personnel, hiring, training and catering. Even Johnson’s brother-in-law, Rick, chipped in with his carpentry skills. In the following year the neighboring TV store closed and Johnson was able to expand Erik’s Deli to 1800 square feet. 

A lot has changed since then, but one thing that will never change is our commitment to character. At all of our 27 Erik’s DeliCafé locations, you can count on our Sandwiches with Character®, salad, and soup you enjoy are made with the highest quality meats, cheeses, and fresh produce we can find. Our soups are our cherished family recipes and slow-simmered. Our salads are fresh and just as full of flavor as they are nutritive value. And all of them are served up with the passion and pizzaz that you’ve come to know us for. To us, that’s what having character is all about.