The Brinker family has been making outstanding sandwiches and delicacies for the Rochester area for over 30 years now! In the 1960’s, Ray Brinker owned and operated the “Food Tray” on the corner of Second Street and Main. I remember going into town 
as a small boy with my dad, knowing my treat for behaving was to stop in and see Ray and pick out an egg salad sandwich or a fresh roast beef sandwich and an iced tea. A decade or so later, his son, Tim Brinker, took over the store and named the deli “Pop’s Deli” in honor of his late father. Tim added the hot soups and sea food gumbo that would make our mouths water just thinking about which one was offered each day of the week! As recently as this summer, the family has brought us a new treat, “Chomp Deli and Grille,” headed up by Tim’s daughter, Ashley Brinker. While Ashley has the help of her sisters and father in this new venture, she can also remember learning the ropes by spending time with her father at the deli when she was just five years old. I recently interviewed Ashley about her new business and asked her to explain what really sets her deli apart from the others. She replied, “We are family owned, and our goal is to have every customer leave satisfied and happy from their experience at Chomp.” When asked which two items she would recommend from her menu, her answer was “the avocado burger and the chicken caesar pita because they are the most popular and are recommended by other customers. They are definitely the top sellers.” The food is delicious and each time I have been in there, they have had a steady stream of customers already. “Chomp” offers free fries on Wednesdays for Oakland University students and a free drink with any student ID. Also, as a subscriber to The Community Edge, I’ll let you in on a secret – you’ll get a free side dish if you simply “like” their facebook page and show them when you order! Simply click here.
About Tom and Ann Gendich