Carrollwood Deli Owners Say Goodbye

For 14 years, Sally and Peter Ballas have enjoyed running the Carrollwood Deli. But, the time has come to say goodbye. On Sept. 8, Mike Augaitis officially became the new owner of the deli at 11606 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

Sally Ballas said that over the years they have received offers to sell the business or franchise it. But the circumstances were not quite ideal until now.

“We were picky about who we sold it to,” Sally Ballas said. “We wanted it to be the right person.”

Ballas said it was important that the deli remained the same business the community has come to love and depend on over the years. Augaitis will use the same food and preparation that has become a standard necessary to maintain.

“He doesn’t want to change anything,” Ballas said. “He wants to keep it exactly the same. He just wants to come in and run it the way we’ve always run it.”

The Ballas husband and wife team have agreed to stay on at the deli at least until the end of the year. They will show Augaitis how to bake the bread, cook the meats and prepare the soups using the same recipes that have consistently pleased the customers.

Augaitis would not have it any other way.

“I’m like a blank canvas. Whatever Pete and Sally tell me, that’s the way it’s going to be,” Augaitis said.

Augaitis moved to Florida in 1987. His most recent business endeavor was a landscaping and pest control business, which he co-owned for 20 years. When his partner moved up north, Augaitis decided his next venture would be in food service.

He met Peter Ballas through a business connection. The two had an instant rapport, and the deli seemed to be the perfect new enterprise.

“I like working with people – the camaraderie,” Augaitis said. “The hours of the deli were perfect for me, because I’m an early morning to late afternoon type of person.”

Before moving to Florida, Augaitis and his parents ran a golf course restaurant in Ohio, so he is not entirely unfamiliar with the demands of food preparation. Nevertheless, it is something he refuses to take for granted.

“Sally and Peter have done such a great job. The quality of the food is tremendous,” Augaitis said.  “Everything is from scratch and it shows in the product.”

Sally Ballas said she will miss the deli and the customers, some of whom have become close friends.

“To all of our guests and our friends and our family, we appreciate your support for the last 14 years,” Ballas said. “Without you, Carrollwood Deli would have been standing alone. And, we’re very appreciative.”

The Carrollwood Deli is open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For menu, delivery or catering information, call 813-964-9008.