Despite the challenges that come with taking a leap into hospitality and a business that is so well established with limited industry experience, Kaylee Boccalatte considers herself privileged to be continuing the legacy that is Burdekin’s renowned Dal Santo’s Continental Deli.
Tell us about yourself and your business.
Dal Santo’s Continental Deli opened its doors 25 years ago and has continued to grow and evolve to become an iconic and beloved café and delicatessen in the Burdekin. I recently purchased the thriving business, doing a complete 180 in my career.
Before this, I had been a director of various companies, taught at JCU and was honoured to be a Councillor in the Burdekin Shire last term. Needless to say, since taking over, life is moving at a much faster rate!
At Dal Santo’s, we serve the famous Vittoria coffee and specialise in freshly made sandwiches/paninis while providing a large range of specialty items, deli goods, including meats, cheeses and olives, as well as a range of sweet and savoury dishes.
While I have a business background, working in hospitality for the first time has undoubtedly been… a new experience!
Despite the challenges, I am incredibly privileged to work with a group of dedicated, passionate and amazing people. I couldn’t speak more highly of the staff we have at the Deli, they have accepted me, taught me and have always been supportive and kind.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner?
Taking a leap into hospitality and a business that is so well established with no experience in the industry has definitely come with challenges. There is a whole lot of learning that needs to take place just to keep the day-to-day operational – and that’s before we start looking at short and long-term future planning!
It has all been a learning curve. The only advice I can give others in a similar situation is to document as much as you can (if systems don’t already exist). At the start, there is just too much to learn, so the more you have documented, the easier it will be next time because you will have a reference point.
I am incredibly fortunate to have staff I can count on and who seem okay with my never-ending list of questions!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have maintained my academic fellowship at the Centre for International Business and Trade in Asia and have recently had a paper accepted by the Academy of Management into the annual conference being held in Chicago this year. It is very exciting.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
I don’t think there is any one piece of advice I’ve ever received but multiple.
1) You aren’t going to like everything you have to do, but you have to do it anyway.
2) Don’t ever accept criticism from people you wouldn’t go to for advice.
3) Do you. There is no one else in the world like you; there is a reason you are here; find your purpose and share your gift with intention. If you dream big and work hard anything is possible!
Going forward, what is next on the cards for you or your business?
Learning the day-to-day while implementing systems and continuing to meet or exceed our customer’s expectations is my top priority. More people are enjoying catching up with friends and family over a cup of coffee and good food in our newly expanded indoor dining area.
Following that, launching some new product lines and an online shop is on the horizon. We are excited to provide an online platform for our customers to order their favourite foods – whether that be a panini, sandwich, trucking bread or open grill – or something from the deli or display case.
The future possibilities are endless!
At the end of the day, in the world of hospitality, especially a hustling business like Dal Santo’s, a smile is your greatest asset. Working with our team, speaking with our customers and being a part of the Dal Santo’s legacy, ensures a smile is never too far from my lips.
Small businesses like Dal Santo’s are becoming fewer and fewer, so I am incredibly proud to have purchased the Deli and keep it open to the public and as authentic as possible.
Main image – Kaylee Boccalatte
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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