Danny’s Downtown Deli Celebrates 11th Anniversary in Downtown Lincoln

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While many people might be hesitant to work with their spouse, Danny and Mary Ellen Patrick have no qualms about mixing family life with business.

“We’ve worked together so long that we have developed a kind of non-verbal communication-in a good way,” Danny says. “She knows the business as well as I do; it’s very nice to work with her.”

The husband-and-wife team owns Danny’s Downtown Deli located on 10th and O in the Terminal Building. Danny’s offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and breakfast foods, as well burgers and other items from the grill.

Starting February 6 through the rest of the month, Danny’s will celebrate their 11th anniversary by offering a Dinky 5” hero for 11 cents after the purchase of a regularly priced one (one offer per customer). Additionally, patrons who buy a half/whole hero or deli style sandwich and those who take part in the Dinky deal can tack on chips and a soda for an additional $1.49. Those who order anything off their grill menu will receive free chips and a soda.

The first Danny’s was located at 8th and S Streets in the Haymarket, a spot that was previously occupied by the Sawmill Deli and is currently occupied by Bread & Cup.

“Our first day was quite busy,” he says.

Employees from the INS building across the street made up the majority of his customers on opening day. Danny says they proved to be very supportive throughout the deli’s time in the Haymarket.

On September 10, 2004, Danny opened a new location at 10th and O where the deli stands today.

“Mary Ellen and I had talked about opening a second location and the space in the Terminal Building was great.”

After five years of flourishing business, the couple decided to revamp the restaurant in 2009. They added a second dining area to meet the demand of their growing customer base and added a grill as well to expand their menu.

Over the 11 years they’ve done business, Danny says there have been numerous menu favorites, but one stands out above the rest.

“The ‘N’ Street Club Combo was, and still is, the most popular hero sandwich on our menu. It’s made with ham, turkey, Swiss and American cheese and bacon.”

Since the addition of the grill, Danny says their grilled Reuben and grilled Philly have become very popular as well. Other sandwiches that people frequently order include pastrami, corned beef and one that have prosciutto and capicola meats, which are both cold-cut pork meats that have proved to be harder to find in delis around Lincoln.

And just what does Danny love most about his job?

“The food! When you own your own place, you make whatever you want. Many customers ask me if I’ve tried this place or that place, but I love our food so much I don’t go anywhere else and that’s the truth.”

Danny also says how he loves his hard-working and dedicated employees and attributes their congeniality to his deli’s success.

“We are committed to what I think are three of the most important factors to a successful restaurant business: a high quality product, cleanliness and friendly and accurate service.”

But he says having loyal customers helps too.

“I get the privilege of meeting some of the nicest people from all over, but especially the people from Nebraska; they’re truly special people.”

Danny has shaped his menu around his customers’ suggestions. This past month he brought back Taco Wednesdays, where from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm on Wednesdays, patrons can purchase hard or soft shell tacos for 99 cents each, or six for $5.

“Quite a few people said how much they liked them, so we decided to bring them back!”

Two things that the deli is considering are downtown delivery and adding a late night pizza option to their menu. Danny encourages all comments on the ideas.

“We are currently testing pizza products and have not come to a decision on whether we will be adding a late night pizza operation to Danny’s menu, but ‘Downtown Pizza’ has a nice ring to it.”

For over a decade, Danny’s Downtown Deli has been a staple to downtown Lincoln’s lunch and dinner scene. They’ve catered to thousands of downtown employees and Lincolnites and hope to do so for many years to come. Help them celebrate their anniversary and partake in the great specials they’re offering throughout the month of February.
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For more information about Danny’s Downtown Deli, visit their Facebook Page.

Click here to see their menus.