More than a place to pick up delicious lunch or the ingredients for your favourite meal, Abbotsford's Windmill Deli offers a cultural experience that brings a real taste of Europe to the Fraser Valley.
For over 25 years, this deli has been a beloved local institution. Since taking ownership 18 months ago, Jessica has infused it with new life and a continued commitment to quality and community.
History and cultural fusion
Purchasing the Windmill Deli when the previous owner retired was a bit of a homecoming for Jessica.
“I grew up in my parents' bakery, and this felt like a natural fit,” she says.
The deli offers an assortment of Dutch, Polish, Ukrainian, German, Italian and Hungarian products, with shelves filled with an array of grocery items – the perfect accompaniments to the flavourful deli meats and sausages.
Jessica has maintained the deli's legacy while introducing new items, striving to keep European delicacies accessible to all.
“We carry a big selection from all over Europe, and we do our best to keep it affordable," she says.
A community space
"We have a lot of fun here," Jessica says. The deli's atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with staff who are more like family – in fact, Jessica's own daughters have worked there! "Our staff are amazing. They know our customers by name, and it's like a little community."
The deli offers weekly specials, including deals on deli meats, and from the moment the doors open, fresh sandwiches are prepared, and deli meats are stocked the team starts serving happy, hungry customers.
High-quality food
Maintaining high standards is a priority for Jessica, who works closely with local suppliers to ensure consistency and quality.
Among the bestsellers are deli meats, fresh salads and sandwiches made with local bread, including the all-natural Lac La Hache bread. “Our customers love the fresh salads and sandwiches. It's the quality that brings them back,” Jessica says, teasing something new for customers: “We’re excited about introducing our own Hungarian sausage, made from a special family recipe from Stoelting's delicatessen
As a single mother of three girls and a genuine love for the work, "I really enjoy it," Jessica says. "The staff and the awesome customers are what make it worthwhile."
Learn more at thewindmilldeli.com, and visit the deli at 2630 Bourquin Cres.. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest news!