SPOKANE, Wash. — Tuesday was full of hugs, handshakes and a lot of smiles at Spokane’s famous Domini Sandwiches.
From slicing meat and cheese to bundling it all together between two slices of bread, Tom Domini does it all.
“The way that they make it. Everything’s fresh every day it’s always fresh, fresh, fresh,” said longtime customer Mary Wissink.
Plus you can’t forget about the free side of warm popcorn.
“It’s all about the customers and customer service and keeping the quality of it we’ve had the same everything since day one,” he said. “We’ve never changed the concept.”
The personality behind the counter and the impeccable customer service are what make Domini Sandwiches a pillar of the community.
“It’s really fun to grow up and see multiple generations of families,” Tom said.
Tom’s dad and uncle started the family business in the 1940’s. It became what it is now: Domini Sandwiches in 1963. Tom has been working at the family business since he was 17. He officially took over ownership in the late 90s.
“Here in Spokane, everybody knows everybody. It’s just a great feeling to have a successful family business and be able to carry on as long as we have,” Tom said.
Tom is now ready to retire and sell the business.
“I’ll probably cry a couple times,” he said.
It’s a decision that doesn’t come easy. Tom’s rule for the next owner: they have to be in the store working just like he is now.
The last day will be December 6.
Tom said the deli already has a potential buyer.
“It’ll be the same. The name will be carrying on if that happens and everything will be the same, quality the same, because I’ll be working with her for a while to make sure it’s run right,” he said.
Right now, Domini Sandwiches is located in the Washington Trust Building. Tom says the bank wants the space when he sells the deli, so the new owner will have to open shop somewhere else in the city.
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