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It’s something to be said that Jasper’s top rated restaurant on TripAdvisor for the past nine years has been a humble sandwich shop.
But step through the doors of Patricia Street Deli and you will see exactly why.
Glen Leitch, “The Deli Man” and his wife Wendy have put heart and soul into their business, fill every day with electric energy and welcome every hungry guest with a smile.
“With responsibility comes privilege and with privilege comes responsibility,” said Glen.
“We treat all our patrons with kindness and respect. People have travelled a long way to come to our home.
“It’s about the relationship we have, the connection you make with the person. ‘Who are you? Where are you from?’ There’s a sharing that goes on.”
And in Glen’s own words, “you can have all the ambiance and presentation you want but at the end of the day you have to have a good product.”
The deli delivers on that, too.
Patricia Street Deli serves sandwiches, wraps and salads made-to-order.
Sauces, seasonings and sweets are made from each of the Leitchs’ family recipes - and Glen’s chicken pot pies are a hot commodity.
But that’s no surprise knowing his culinary history.
“It’s in my blood,” he said. “My late father had Leitch’s Market in Kamloops and was a professional meat cutter so when I was old enough to hold a knife I was cutting meat.”
He excelled in the kitchen at high school and moved to Banff at 16 to work in hotels. He cooked in Inuvik, NT, feeding 1,600 to 1,800 children a day and catering three Arctic Winter Games, and had a lengthy career with Bridge Brand Food and Gordon Food Service before opening the deli in 2004.
“Over the years I have spent quality time with some of the best people in the food industry,” he said. “Part of success in the food industry is you always learn every day. Take something from everything - there is always a gift in everything.”
Glen met Wendy in 2017 and they married last summer in Jasper.
“She is my dear wife and best friend and she has inserted herself into what is going on and it has just been a gem,” said Glen.
Wendy said what brings people into the the deli is the feeling, the product and the entertainment.
“Glen entertains everyone,” she said.
“We have heard in the community that Patricia Street Deli is an authentic part of the community.
“We get lots of local referrals - thank you to our community that refers people to us.”
And Glen gave thanks to the dedicated staff.
He said: “I have had the opportunity to work with brilliant young minds.
“Desi has been here, this is her fifth year, and is now the shop’s supervisor.
“We like to help local young adults and give back to the community.
"I am proud speaking for all my staff that have been so loyal - they are all honourable mentions.”
The dynamic duo, both 64, have just signed a new five-year lease for the deli and look forward to the future.
“What can be better than making sandwiches and meeting people for a living?” Glen said.
“At the end of the day it is so rewarding to work for yourself.
"It is a labour of love and we dig it and it’s fun and I love to have the ability to do this with my wife and friends and family.”
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