When J. Michael Hutson and Louis Nieper opened their first J. Michael’s Philly Deli in Hanover Center in 1979 with a staff of just 12, they never imagined that 35 years later they would employ more than 125 people with 400-plus years of restaurant experience among them. 

Co-owner Hutson considers the staff the restaurant's most valuable asset, explaining that the longevity of many of their employees is what has allowed it to grow and prosper. 

“We’re so fortunate to have the employees we have,” Hutson said.

Hutson and Nieper consider themselves fortunate to have found one another as well. Hutson, originally a hairdresser by trade and a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and Nieper, originally an engineer, met in Philadelphia in the early 1970s. The pair became fast friends, and a few years later they decided to relocate to Wilmington and open a restaurant.

“We wanted to introduce the South to the cheese steaks we loved in Philadelphia,” Hutson said. “And it has always been our mission to be an to affordable, family-oriented restaurant with the best quality food we can provide.”

From the start, the deli has always ordered its rolls from Amoroso’s, a Philadelphia bakery that has been in the business of baking bread and rolls since 1904. J. Michael's steak is brought in from just outside of Philadelphia as well. Consistency, high quality and customer service are always the top priorities, according to Hutson.

Hutson and Nieper realized early on the importance of having a close relationship with their staff. The longevity of many of the company's staffers is practically unheard of in the restaurant business, with 23 staff members having 10-15 years of service, 10 members having 20-30 years, and four people who have more than 30 years of service with the company. There is even one family who has now had three generations work for the deli.

Hutson and Nieper began offering health benefits 15 years ago and have since added paid vacation benefits as well.

“The happier our employees are, the better they’re likely to perform and the longer they’ll stay with us,” Hutson said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Today the restaurant has three locations across Wilmington. It offers weekly specials which can be found on the deli's website and also offers monthly discounts and promotions to those who subscribe to J. Michael's online mailing list. Those on the mailing list will receive some extra special offers in conjunction with the company’s 35th anniversary, according to Hutson.

J. Michael’s Philly Deli is located at 3501 Oleander Drive in Hanover Center, 8232 Market St. in the Porters Neck Center and 609 Piner Road in Monkey Junction.

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