SABA DELI - Another Warm-Vibed Brooklyn Business

A significant part of a community's positive aura are those businesses, particularly small businesses, where it is an absolute pleasure to shop and where the vibes of the owners and employees are warm, inviting, helpful and ever so respectful.  Saba Deli fits the bill in the Prospect Heights community.

Only a few steps from the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, and the lovely Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Underhill Avenue's Saba Deli experiences a stream of drop-in customers as well as neighborhood regulars.  Each one finds individualized attention, a welcoming smile, and for long-time regulars a frequent spur-of-the-moment discount on purchases.

Particularly well-liked is Naif who goes above and beyond the call of duty to render excellent service to each customer he serves.  For example, if my organic popcorn is out of stock, he'll work diligently to get it back on the shelves for me--and in ample proportions that will satisfy the most diehard organic popcorn fan for, as the Tennessee elders would say, "a good, long while."

Once in awhile there is a little kid there in the store who will silently and most courteously assist in loading heavier items in your cart and then doorman-like open the door for you to more easily exit the door.  Yet this child who undoubtedly likes treats and games as much as any other youth of his age will steadfastly decline any offer of a tip.  He has picked up the energy of unconditional courtesy and helpfulness to customers--a warm-vibed trait that makes small community businesses like Saba Deli precious gemstones in the life flow of a community.

 Like beloved family and friends, we should not wait until such businesses are gone to miss and appreciate them; but support, patronize, and encourage them while they are with us.  Thanks, Naif and Saba Deli colleagues, for being topnotch among the Prospect Heights business pleasantries.  (Good to know I can get not only my wonderful 100% coconut water there and that unique juice that actually has sweet potatoes in it :), but in addition, the best of customer service-- a staple of wisely-run community businesses of any size.) 

Linda Cousins-Newton
The Ancestral Storyteller