Superstar? That’s what you are

Today is Aussie Paul Hlaihel’s (don’t even bother with the pronunciation) last day at Caplansky’s.  I realise that I seem to vent and write and discuss the difficult cases and overlook the bright lights on the team so today I doff my cap in Paul’s direction.  From his first day with us we all could see he’s something special.  And when his family visited from Down Under it gave me tremendous pleasure to let them know how much their son and brother means to us here.

Paul is a pro.  He’s great at his job because he cares about it and he imbues his work with his larger than life personality.  Paul makes it fun to come to work because you know that as long as he’s there, all will be well.  But its more than.  He was the life of our staff Christmas party as mc of the Cappie Awards and helped us all laugh at ourselves and each other.  He’s one of these people that everyone likes and likes to have around.  And he puts a lie to the idea that I’m impossible to work for.  Paul and I never had a moment of conflict because he knows when to bear down and hustle and when to dial it back.

Paul doesn’t cut corners or give customers less than his best even when he’s not at his best.  We all have bad days and even bad hair days but the pro’s rise above all that.  They can smile through the pain.  Customers love Paul as do his coworkers.  For my part, I let him know that should he ever want to return, there’s always a place for him at Caplansky’s.

Enjoy your summer in Greece, young man.  You will be missed over here but we are better for your contribution.

About Zane Caplansky

40 yr. old Toronto boy trying too eek out a living owning a deli. Been open 18 months and still loving it - mostly.
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  • http://www.vintagesoundof78s.com Marc Bernstein

    We loved our lunch this past Saturday afternoon,Zane.
    Hello Zane,sorry we didn’t see you this afternoon at your really special deli. My sistermmyself,niece and nephew had lunch together this afternoon from about 1:30: PM till 4:00:PM.
    I had your hot picked tongue on rye,with fries
    (we shared the fries,+they were super)
    I thought your pickeled tongue on rye was the best I ever had!
    Dessert was a sour cherry pie-all I can say is WOW!!
    Coffee, (a wonderful,rich blend)
    service and staff made us all feel so much at home.
    Keep up the great work!
    It was a super special,joyous lunch. You and your amazing deli work magic on all our hearts,Zane. With appreciation from a fan, Marc.

  • http://www.caplanskysdeli.com Zane Caplansky

    Thanks, Marc. Please let me know when you’re going to return so I can take care of you personally.

  • http://www.vintagesoundof78s.com Marc Bernstein

    Thank you,Zane. I didn’t recognize you myself. It has been a long time since I was last there. My niece Samantha (daughter of Irving Layton) is married-that was her charming,really lovely,sweet,terrific husband,my nephew, Michael Bobbi sitting across from her-I was next to her,my sister,Harriet was across from me,Michael sat next to Harriet.
    More’s the pity,as I had brought with me two specially made Cantorial CDs from my collection of 45,000 78s, that I transfered for you as a free gift. One features my mother,soprano Mary Simmons, singing John Weizweig’s “Wine Of Peace”, with my Cantorial family also on it-my Zaida,Akiva Bernstein, + my great-uncles-Henoch,Hershel,Pinchos,Archie. The second CD has operatic 78s by Cantors Gershon Sirota and Cantor Herman Jadlowker. Will bring them next visit. Unfortunately,sad news: my mother’s wedding ring+her special 50th anniversary ring were stolen from her fingers while she was sleeping at Baycrest,we don’t know by who. So we’re getting her replacement rings that hopefully match,as with her still obviously cognitive strong ability,she is so upset and in agony. It makes me full of fury! How could whoever did this stoop so low-taking advantage of someone so vulnerable??

  • http://www.vintagesoundof78s.com Marc Bernstein

    My niece Samantha had your salami and eggs.
    She gobbled it up with great joy.
    Harriet had your salami on rye-which she also loved.
    My nephew,Michael Bobbi had the smoked meat sandwich.
    (with lots of fat)
    We all shared lots of fries and pickles which were out of this world.
    I’m used to only having regular hot tongue,pickeled I haven’t had since the days when my mother used to cook it for me. Your tongue sandwich not only brought back old and wonderful memories,Zane,it was a treat! My cousins,Dan,Jayne and Josh Weiner are coming (driving) up here from their home in Cherry Hill New Jersey, from July 29th till August 5th or 6th-it is a combination of their 20th wedding anniversary and in celebration of both my mother’s+my 91st+54th birthdays. (July 29+August 1) we’re taking Dan,Jayne,+Josh (they love Deli) to your one of kind,unique deli for a celebration dinner,as they have nothing remotely like this in Cherry Hill. We got a sandwich (smoked meat) for my mother to bring to her at Baycrest yesterday.
    She loves deli,and the food at Baycrest is something she hates. Anything we can do to bring my mother pleasure+comfort+happiness is what I and my family want to do.

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