Local Deli Saved By Employees Of Union Co. Plumbing Company

CLARK, NJ — When the owner of a local deli business expressed that she was struggling to keep her restaurant open, Clark's Good Tidings — a plumbing, heating and cooling company — decided to lend a hand.

Scotch Plains resident Erika Dent launched her deli business, Erika's Cucina, in 2012 after helping to run DiCosmos Italian Deli in Clark for 20 years. But due to setbacks from the pandemic and personal health issues, Dent was struggling to keep her business running.

Owner of Good Tidings, David McKenna, presented Dent with a check last month that ultimately saved the business from going under.

Since Dent opened the deli in 2012, she has been dealing with serious injuries from a car accident she was in many years ago. When the accident first occurred, Dent was unable to remember her recipes. She then went through 18 months of cognitive and physical therapy and was eventually able to come back to the restaurant.

Most recently, Dent was trying to keep the business afloat amid setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a three-month long crippling corrective back surgery.

"Despite Erika’s heroic attempts to stay open, a scarcity mindset had set in and she was running out of options," it states on the restaurant's website. "Although she had been praying her heart out for redemption, some bills started piling up and a plan to 'Just walk away' was all there was left..."

That was until the Good Tidings family stepped in and provided her with a big check. You can watch the video of Dent's reaction on YouTube below:

As part of their efforts to help Dent, Good Tidings also launched a GoFundMe for the business. The business was also officially renamed to "Kitchen Delights."

McKenna and coworker Dennis Straube have been working together to formulate a long-term plan for Dent's business, which includes upgrading the deli's technology and software so that Dent can advertise with online meal delivery platforms, according to Tapinto Clark.

Good Tidings also launched a marketing campaign to grow her social media presence and are helping her spruce up the reception area. There are even plans to bring in a coffee distributor and assist her in hiring staff.

Kitchen Delights is located at 1059 Raritan Road and is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant offers homemade soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and more.Catering is also available.

For additional information, call (732) 943-2678, visit https://www.kitchendelightsclark.com, send an email, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.