The 2011 A-List on WISN.com contest in Milwaukee was our biggest year yet with over 116,000 votes in only 3 short weeks! The sandwich market in Milwaukee is saturated with many tasty shops as evidenced by the 39 nominees this year. We decided to find out how with all this competition Rochester Deli, Inc. was able to win the category in 2011 for the third year in a row.

It probably starts with the fact that Rochester Deli, Inc. is family owned and operated since 2004. The deli is not shy when it comes to social media and is very active on Facebook and Twitter. They focus most of their social media efforts on Facebook and post daily specials and the occasional picture to really make your mouth water. Their consistent presence on Facebook throughout the year makes it easier to engage with customers during the contest as they have come to expect updates and even look forward to them.

Chef and owner Dan Strackbein shows off his culinary talents with the traditional Friday fish fry, “We Cook to Hook”. The fish fry features breaded cod, baked cod and pan-fried pike which is topped with a sun dried tomato beurre blanc. Rochester Deli is known for their Reuben and our voters rave about their chocolate dipped peanut butter cookie. They also do other promotions to foster brand loyalty such as LMDO (Laugh My Dentures Off) which is an on-going special on Thursdays for 15% off entire order for seniors 59+. The youngsters get some love, too with 15% off the entire order every Saturday for Carroll University faculty and students with a valid ID.

The Rochester Deli, Inc. website is very interactive and even includes some of chef Dan’s recipes such as their raspberry vinaigrette dressing and snowman soup (cream of potato). Our voters can’t get enough of the chicken dumpling soup, sandwiches and sweet treats. “The food doesn’t get any fresher, and the soup is AWESOME…and save room for dessert…Chef Dan rocks!” – Laurie B. We even heard a rumor that their salads are tasty.

It is clear that chef Dan and his family have found the recipe for success for a New York style deli in the heart downtown Waukesha. The combination of an active social media presence, weekly promotions and having an interactive website are key takeaways that any business can implement to help improve their customer base and keep them coming back for more!