Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Thomas.
Hi Shannon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fratelli’s Delicatessen was built on family tradition, bold dreams, and a shared passion for real, quality food. I’m Shannon, originally from New York, and my husband Dave is from just outside Chicago. Together with my cousin RJ, also a New Yorker, and his wife Shannan, we set out to bring the warmth of our family gatherings and a classic deli experience to the heart of Apex, North Carolina.
Fratelli’s is a true family effort, built on connection, commitment, and love. We chose the name “Fratelli’s,” which means “brothers” in Italian, to reflect the strong family bond behind everything we do. Dave and I are also parents to two boys, making this not just our business, but a legacy we’re proud to share with our family and community.
Since opening in September 2024 at Sweetwater Town Center, we’ve worked hard to serve bold, honest food with a personal touch—from house-made meatballs to thoughtfully sourced ingredients and gluten-free options. Every sandwich we serve reflects our story, our values, and our commitment to great food and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any new business, it hasn’t all been smooth—but we’re grateful for every challenge because it’s helped us grow. From the moment we opened our doors, we were busier than expected, which was an incredible blessing—but we quickly realized we weren’t fully staffed to handle the volume. We had to adapt fast, build a strong team, and find our rhythm in real time.
We also learned that everyone has an opinion—especially when it comes to things like seating. With limited space inside, we got feedback early on about people wanting more places to sit and enjoy their meals. So we listened, adjusted, and added more seating to create a better experience.
At the heart of it, we really try to listen to our customers and make thoughtful changes based on their feedback. It’s a constant evolution, and we’re committed to learning, improving, and making Fratelli’s the best it can be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Not only am I an entrepreneur, but I’ve continued my full-time career in IT sales. I work as a Channel Manager at Pure Storage, overseeing a major reseller relationship and managing an $80 million quota. My day-to-day is rooted in strategy—business planning, marketing, enablement, and building strong partnerships.
When we started Fratelli’s, all four of us brought something valuable to the table. RJ has spent years in the restaurant world and understands the pace and operations. Dave, a former mechanical engineer, brings precision, structure, and problem-solving. Shannan, a teacher, is incredibly patient, thoughtful, and creative—key traits that show up in everything from team dynamics to guest experience. Together, we created something greater than the sum of its parts.
Fratelli’s Delicatessen is a family-owned deli located in Apex, North Carolina, built on tradition, quality, and heart. We specialize in handcrafted sandwiches made with premium Boar’s Head meats, freshly baked breads, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Our menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast items, salads, catering trays, and a growing selection of grab-and-go meals—plus gluten-free options prepared with care.
What sets us apart is the experience we create. Fratelli’s is fast, friendly, and full of flavor. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. Every detail—from our recipes to the service to our partnerships with local bakeries—is driven by passion and purpose.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the consistency and connection we’ve built with our community. Fratelli’s isn’t just a sandwich shop—it’s a place where people gather, eat well, and feel at home. We listen to feedback, adapt quickly, and stay committed to making every guest experience exceptional.
We’re here to feed people, build relationships, and create a deli that feels both familiar and fresh—every single day.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For us, success is about impact—not just numbers. It’s the customer who comes in twice a week because it feels like home. It’s the family that chooses Fratelli’s to cater their celebration. It’s seeing our team grow, thrive, and take pride in what they do.
Of course, strong sales and growth matter, but the real win is building something meaningful—something that brings people together, creates opportunity, and reflects the values we care about: quality, consistency, community, and heart.
If our guests leave full, happy, and already planning their next visit—and our team feels valued and supported—that’s success to us.
Pricing:
- Most sandwiches range from $8–$16
- Breakfast sandwiches start at $7.50
- WE offer take and bake meals starting at $12.50
- We offer Catering options for all parties that are reasonably priced
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fratellisdelicatessen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fratellisdeliapex
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fratellisdeliapex/#
