Owning Tony’s Italian Delicatessen in Montgomery does not seem like it would be a natural professional transition for husband-and-wife co-owners Hootie and Mary Trant.
The Trants took over Tony’s from the original owner, Tony Nicoletta, in 2015. Previously Mary worked in a medical examiner’s office and Hootie worked in the narcotics division of the Houston Police Department.
Hootie always exhibited a passion and talent for cooking, often cooking original recipes for his friends and family. Now, the couple’s full-time job is running the deli, although Hootie still works as a commissioned officer with Montgomery County sheriff’s office.
The duo has carved out a substantial slice in the deli market, with customers making the drive to try the large, crispy, flavor-filled subs. The shop offers hot sandwiches draped with melted cheese, Carnegie sandwiches served cold, fresh salads, chilled pasta salads and a selection of desserts.
“The deli has a life in itself,” Hootie said. “You take the personalities out or you take the subs out, and it’s not going to roll. There is life in the food.”
Since taking over Tony’s Deli, Hootie said he kept some of the deli’s classic subs, however he improved the quality of ingredients and prepares everything he can from scratch. The deli’s signature marinara sauce is made in-house, prepared a day in advance and left steeping to enhance its flavor. Hootie said he also prepares other sauces daily, including pesto, olive spread and garlic balsamic vinaigrette.
The Trants credit their success to customer service. Hootie and Mary, along with their employee, Garrett Murphy, make up the staff at Tony’s Deli.
“This is our house; we are here more than we live at [our home],” Hootie said. “We treat everybody who comes in as though they are coming into our house and sitting at our table.”
The deli’s customer base has grown so much that the Trants plan to expand. The couple purchased the empty space next door and will soon knock down the dividing wall.
Mary said the expanded area will open soon and will offer coffee, merchandise and more dessert options, such as cupcakes and ice cream.
Murphy, who started working at the deli in February, said the restaurant benefits from the personalities of its owners.
“[Hootie and Mary] are not only the best bosses I have ever had, but the best people,” Murphy said. “They are good, genuine people, and anybody who comes in would tell you the exact same thing.”
