Kaylan Sweet, left, and her husband, Shawn, putting up a menu board, get ready to open O’Maddi’s Deli & Cafe in the Mayo Block. Photo by Rob Wills, The Northfield News After 15 years of operation, Defelice Deli in the Mayo Block closed its door to make way for a new business.

Shawn and Kaylan Sweet open the doors to O’Maddis Deli and Café on the first of September. The name comes from their children’s names Owen and Madisyn.

Robert Defelice said that he first opened Defelice’s Deli on May 1, 1995.

“I had an offer from a friend who knows the business well,” Mr. Defelice explained. “I feel good about passing the business off to them and I would like to pursue a few other things. I will miss the people, or course. They are great people and I have made a lot of friends here over the years. I want to thank everybody, truly from the bottom of my heart and to ask people to support the local businesses the best they can. Someday they may not have choices.”

Mrs. Sweet said that previously, Shawn has been a stay at home dad while she worked at The Four Seasons care home as activities director.

Kaylan said of their new business, “Everybody would like to think that they can work for themselves and not answer to a boss. Shawn really jumped on this, this is his baby.”

Mr. Sweet added, “We already wanted to buy a restaurant. This came available. This is our foot in the door. I know how to run a business. I want to be my own boss.”

Mr. and Mrs. Sweet both stated that they want to provide new food geared towards fresh produce and meat freshly sliced.

Their menu will include whole wheat pasta salad, yogurt, fresh fruit, sprouts for sandwiches, wraps and paninis. During the Fall and Winter, they plan to serve fresh homemade soups.

While painting a counter with yellows and blues reflecting the new décor, Mrs. Sweet said “We want people to go wow.” We want a place where people knows your name.”