LISA PUTS EXPANSION ON THE MENU AS DELI’S NEW OWNER

A popular town centre deli, which sells everything from cakes, sandwiches, artisan pies, sausage rolls and cheeses to home-cooked meats and vegan and vegetarian wraps, is under new ownership after being acquired by a member of staff.

Lisa Gibson has bought Pronto Delicatessen in Leek, which attracts customers living across Staffordshire and Derbyshire as well as people visiting the region.

She started working at Pronto 10 years ago as a kitchen assistant before taking up a front-of-house role, and has become the owner after acquiring the business for an undisclosed sum from Carole Walsh, who ran it for 14 years and has now retired.

Jen Goodwin, head of corporate at Staffordshire law firm Myers & Co Solicitors, advised Lisa on the deal.

Lisa said she is passionate about Pronto, and jumped at the opportunity to buy it.

She plans to expand the business by introducing new product ranges sourced from local suppliers. The deli’s current range of locally-produced goods includes cheeses, honey, home-made quiches and sweet treats.

Pronto has been trading for more than 30 years and has seen several changes of ownership. It is based on Sheep Market in the centre of Leek and has seven staff.

In addition to its traditional product range, Pronto offers vegan wraps and vegetarian burritos, gluten-free pies, sausage rolls, cakes and scones, numerous salad options, an array of English, French and Norwegian cheeses, including a fudge-flavoured variety, plus jams and pickles.

As well as its food counter, the deli has tables where customers can have a drink and eat in.

Pronto is open six days a week and also opens for Leek’s monthly Sunday Supplement food and artisan market.

Lisa said: “I have a strong passion for Pronto and, when Carole said she was looking to sell, I thought it was a great opportunity, although I realised it would be hard work and a challenge.

“I’m excited to bring a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas to the deli, including introducing new ranges from local suppliers and producers to support businesses in the area.

“Leek has a busy town centre, with more independent shops than you may find in other towns and cities. I think people are drawn towards something a bit different and things that they can’t buy on a regular high street or in a supermarket.

“Carole has successfully built up Pronto’s trade over the years and has been a massive support to me during the transition, plus I’ve had tremendous help from my partner and others, including Jen at Myers & Co, whose expertise during the acquisition was invaluable.”

Lisa also had words of advice for others thinking of taking the plunge as entrepreneurs.

“If you are passionate and dedicated, and if that’s your goal and you enjoy taking on new challenges, just go for it,” she said.

“It’s hard work and you have to take a bit of a leap of faith, but if you don’t, you may come to regret it.”

Jen Goodwin said: “It was great to work with Lisa on this transaction, supporting a local enterprise in my home town.

“Pronto is a thriving, well-established business which many locals visit on a regular basis, and I wish Lisa all the best as its new owner.”

Myers & Co is a full-service law firm which has been servicing business clients in the Staffordshire area for more than 20 years.