Before Giorgio Floridia bought Sloppy Nick’s in League City in January, he was working for an airline in Rome. He moved to the United States specifically to take the family business under his wing, and he has no regrets. “I like this more,” Giorgio said. “I like to be in touch with people.” Giorgio’s cousin, Luigi Floridia, opened Sloppy Nick’s in late 2016. A Brooklyn native, Luigi wanted the restaurant to resemble a New York deli. Sloppy Nick’s is loved for its cold-cut sandwiches and especially its Reuben sandwich, a customer favorite, Giorgio said. Luigi realized he could not balance managing both Sloppy Nick’s and another restaurant he owned, prompting Giorgio to take up the restaurant business, which the Floridias have been involved in for 50 years, Giorgio said. “It’s always been part of the family,” he said. Already Giorgio is making Sloppy Nick’s his own. He plans to launch an expanded menu of plated lunches and dinners that are affordable for workers who eat out for lunch or families trying to enjoy dinner without having to cook, Giorgio said. Sloppy Nick’s uses high-quality meat from Boar’s Head, and Giorgio’s wife, Antonella Floridia, creates weekly specials, including Sicily-inspired meals, Giorgio said. One of the most difficult parts of owning a restaurant is finding good employees who take pride in what they do and are reliable, Giorgio said. “We are building a good team,” he said. “It’s an ongoing process.” Giorgio can see himself expanding and owning another restaurant or possibly opening a Sloppy Nick’s in downtown Houston, but he does not plan to turn the deli into a chain. Customers appreciate the personal approach of Sloppy Nick’s, Giorgio said. “It’s family owned, so we give a lot of attention to customers,” he said. Even if he expands the business, Giorgio is loyal to the League City community, which has been supportive from day one, he said. “We plan to be here for a long time,” he said.

Sloppy Nick’s 2800 Marina Bay Drive, Ste. I, League City 281-957-9391 www.facebook.com/sloppynicksbrooklyndeli Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.