Slices of Life: Growing Up in a Family Deli
The Ben’s and Silverstein’s tradition continues
Some kids grow up with swing sets and sprinklers in the backyard. I grew up with the hum of the slicer, the scent of fresh rye bread, and the comforting buzz of customers chatting over hot dogs, pastrami, Dr. Brown’s sodas, and plates piled high with love. My playground was our deli not just any deli, but Ben’s. A true family business, where every sandwich tells a story and every shift feels like home.
The deli is where I learned to count, not with numbers on paper, but with pickles, rolls, and the ever-tricky change from the register. After school, I’d do homework between wiping tables and learning the ropes behind the counter. Eventually, I helped train new employees and supported management. My parents, COO Todd Silverstein and my mother Annmarie, worked there and still do! My brother Joe works there as well. My grandfather Fred (may he rest in peace) worked at Ben’s most of his life. And one day, a customer walked in, became a coworker, and then my lifelong partner. That’s how I met my husband Jaime, now assistant manager at the Boca Raton location.
Some people meet their soulmates in lecture halls or boardrooms. I met mine over cold cuts and behind the counter banter. We shared early morning setups and late-night closings, laughed through catering chaos, and somewhere between the scent of pastrami and the clink of coffee cups, we knew this was something special. Fun fact: even owner Ronnie Dragoon met his wife Cindy at Ben’s. it’s practically tradition.
What makes it even more special is the ownership behind the place. It’s rare to find business owners like Ronnie and Cindy Dragoon who treat employees like family but I didn’t just feel that growing up, I lived it. The owners supported us not just as workers, but as people.
They celebrated our milestones, helped us through hard times, and never hesitated to jump on the counter when things got busy.
Now, years later, I look back with deep gratitude. That deli shaped who I am taught me the value of hard work, the beauty of community, and the simple joy of a perfectly made sandwich. It’s more than a job. It’s a piece of my heart.
To anyone who’s ever been part of a family business, you get it. And to our customers over the years thank you for being part of our extended deli family.
I am now located in our Boca Raton location. Stop by Ben’s in Boca Raton and you’ll see me there! See you at the deli soon. Don’t forget we are here for all your Rosh Hashanah needs.
– Kayla Silverstein Sandoval
Lifelong Ben’s employee and public school teacher
