By Richard Branciforte

The Nassau County Council of Chambers has honored Roslyn businessman Jimmy Zanfardino as Businessperson of the Year.

This honor is given to one person from each of NCCC’s 45 Chambers. Zanfardino is the owner of the popular Delicacies in Roslyn Village.

Anyone who knows Delicacies knows it is the spiritual center of the Roslyn community, catering to students and seniors, neighbors and visitors with a great selection of quality food, and always a pleasant greeting by the staff.

When Zanfardino was 12 years old he delivered newspapers. The last house was next to a delicatessen. Jimmy was buying a soda in the deli one day and when the owner saw him and immediately hired him. He had been watching Jimmy deliver newspapers in the worst weather for a year or so. Zanfardino started at the bottom but had a strong desire to learn about the business.

After being promoted several times, Zanfardino thought this might be a good fit for his future. He excelled at sports throughout high school and turned down several college scholarships. Jimmy continued working and attended night classes at Nassau Community College where he only took Business and Accounting courses.

Zanfardino opened his first deli in 1985 at the age of 21. With an education in business management and experience in the restaurant world, Jimmy was ready.

Since his first store he has owned a bagel store in Manhattan, a café, several delicatessens, several corporate cafeterias as well as being house caterer for some of the North Shore’s finest Venues.

However, his favorite business was a little 900-square-foot deli in Roslyn Village named Delicacies. He built the deli with several friends and over 30 years later Delicacies Gourmet is a 4,000-square-foot super deli and a staple in the community.

Zanfardino lives in Syosset and is married to Amy for 35 years and they have two daughters, Erin and Lauren along with their granddaughter, Olivia. Jimmy is also a college and high school basketball official and also president of both boys and girls basketball associations.

“The greatest part about working in a deli is the conversations I have every day with my customers”  said Zanfardino. And they would be sure to agree.