In Queens — like many other New York City blocks — there's a family-owned deli on the corner of Hollis Avenue. But this one's unique food is projected to bring in more than $1 million in earnings in its first year open.
I visited Datz Deli last month after witnessing more than a few viral posts gushing over its monstrous, yet delicious-looking, stuffed Caribbean-style beef patty sandwich.
I was greeted by Sunita Pherai behind the front counter, and she proudly introduced herself as the mother of 31-year-old owner Joshua Dat.
She warmly chatted with customers like myself about how she'd left her job as a teacher to pitch in with her son's dream business venture.
The dream began in December 2022 when Dat decided to invest $70,000 to secure the property and start the business. The venture is inspired by his father who Dat says is a great cook who has helped many other restaurants get their start using his chef skills and food knowledge.
"I didn't expect to do as much business as we're doing," Dat said. "People don't understand it's a deli. They think it's a full-blown restaurant."
The beginnings were humble. Dat told his mother that they'd need to make just $300 each day to keep the business afloat. Six months and some viral videos later, the family-run deli is now making between $3,000 and $7,000 daily, according to documents reviewed by Insider.
Here's my experience behind the counter and as a customer at Datz Deli.