The History of Tutor and Spanky's Deli
In July, 1988, Tom Blake was burned out in the corporate world and dreamed of having his own business. He wanted to open a deli near his home in Dana
Point. One day, he noticed a “for lease” sign on a storefront location at 34135 PCH, next to the Dana Point Donut Shop.
Tom called Robert Prophet, the realtor, and signed a lease that day. The only problem: Tom had never owned a deli before and his dream was just an idea.
There were no blueprints, he didn’t know where to begin, he was still traveling in his corporate job and he was paying rent on the leased space.
Tom set a goal to have his deli open by the end of 1988. Plans were drawn, permits approved and construction began. Tom continued to work until
December 1. On December 22, Tutor and Spunky’s Deli opened its doors with Teresa Gonzalez as its only employee.
The name—Tutor and Spunky’s—came from the nicknames of Tom (Tutor) and his wife (Spunky). Tom is no longer married to her and has kept the deli
running ever since.
In March, 1989, Rosalinda Ceballos became the second employee. Tom, Teresa and Rosa have been together ever since and will celebrate the start
of their 16th year in December. They’ve provided a place of employment for nearly 100 Dana Point-area youngsters.
“I’ve seen other restaurants come and go,” said Tom. “We’ve survived in Dana Point where national chains McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box,
Del Taco and Subway have restaurants. Our goal has been to serve the locals with impeccable service, fresh, quality food, generous portions and a personal touch
one doesn’t normally get from a chain operation. We know the names of many of our customers and what they usually order.”
This past January, Tutor and Spunky’s Deli became Tutor and Spunky’s, Inc. Teresa and Rosa were made corporate officers and partners.
“We did this for two reasons,” said Tom. “To reward Teresa and Rosa for 15 years of day-in and day-out dedicated service and to ensure that Tutor and
Spunky’s will continue to serve the Dana Point community for years to come.”
“To own a business in our beautiful California harbor city is the American dream. I’m blessed to be living it,” said Tom.
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