New York Congressional District #11

Staten Island SBDC Success Story:
Three Brothers Island Deli & Grocery

Johnny, Ray and John Saylak opened Three Brothers Island Deli & Grocery in the fall of 2015. The deli offers Turkish, Greek and other Mediterranean specialty food products including unique regional teas, preserves and other packaged goods as well as traditionally grilled gyros and kebabs cooked in their kitchen. Two of the brothers, Johnny and John, are US Army veterans who continue to serve in the US military and work at the shop when their tours of duty allow; Ray owns a limousine service on Staten Island. Johnny, a 12-year army veteran, was stationed in Texas where he began creating a business plan with the assistance of the El Paso SBDC office. That office reached out to the Staten Island SBDC when the business needed financing, and Johnny was referred to Staten Island Advisor George Telmany. He reviewed their business plan and cash flow projections, verifying that they were realistic and clarifying the weekly revenues needed for a successful business. George told the clients about a newly created veteran loan program offered by the Renaissance Economic Development Corporation and they submitted an application. The clients were quickly approved for a $48,000 veteran loan at a 4% interest rate. As they were beginning the build out, they were faced with two unexpected problems: work on the NYC gas lines and extra work needed at the storage space they were leasing. Renaissance representatives conferred with George about the brother’s request for a loan increase of $25,000 to deal with these issues. Ultimately, an increase of $20,000 was approved, bringing the total investment for the project to over $150,000.