Lemon and Oil Deli in Seekonk Keeps It Simple

Neil Nadeau was in the corporate restaurant business for many years before he decided to buy his own shop in 2009. Now, he says the Lemon and Oil Deli in Seekonk is going strong.

"I tried to simplify everything when I came in," he said. "We definitely stuck to that philosophy."

Nadeau said he branched out and tried other professions while still in school, but he couldn't get away from cooking and making food.

"I started when I was 14 as a dishwasher, getting paid under the table at a family restaurant," he said. "I got into mechanic work, carpentry, but I always found myself coming back."

Nadeau said although he enjoys working for himself and his employees, the benefits of the corporate world were not lost on him.

"The structure of the corporate world and the personal touch of the mom and pop stores, that's what I was trying to mesh together," he said.

Nadeau said his brother, wife and sister-in-law helped him to get the business off the ground.

"[My brother] was more of a financial advisor, and once we got past the first year and realized we were able to hold our legs, he pulled out," Nadeau said. "But he's still here for moral support. My wife still does the accounting from time to time."

He said while they helped in many ways, one that affected him the most was the creation of the Three Against One salad. He said they wanted to make a salad that had candied walnuts.

"I didn't want to do it because there was only one item on the menu you get to use those on," he said. "We did it and it was a huge success."

Nadeau said the weirdest sandwich he has ever been asked to make is an egg salad and breaded chicken cutlet.

"What came first you know?" he asked.

Nadeau said his favorite sandwich on the menu is the buffalo chicken wrap, which he said reflects his philosophy in the business.

"It's original name was the Lemon and Oil Deli, and we wanted to change it to something more on our end originally, like Neil's Deli or something," he said. "When I heard it though all I thought of was fresh and simple, and I thought that’s what we’re going to keep it. Stick to that philosophy."

Nadeau said building relationships with the customers is one of the most important things he and his staff have done in the past four years.

"I think it's a place like Cheers," he said. "We've built a great relationship and I think that’s what it's all about."

He said the restaurant donates to the Providence Mission Rescue, the Evangelical Covenant Church in Seekonk, the local YMCA, little league baseball, youth soccer and basketball.

"I have three boys and they all go to Seekonk schools, so we're pretty active with that," he said. "I really think it's important to be active in the community. We've really felt the support and we're willing to give back. Relationships and being a part of things come first."

Lemon and Oil Deli is located at 72 Mink St. and is open Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sunday.