My name is Chris Ouimet and I am the owner of Main St Deli in Buford. I have spent my life working in the culinary business, 40 years to date. I grew up in Central New York in the Capital District Area; Albany, Schenectady & Troy NY. I look back on my formative years with great fondness – What a great time in the 70’s & 80’s. I started my Professional path at 14 years old working in Friendly’s Restaurant, a popular ice cream chain in the Northeast at that time. I also worked for a Master Baker from Germany as a High School Student which is where I found my passion for the Pastry Arts. I attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence Rhode Island from 89′-91′.in the fall of 1999 I met my wife of 21 years, Leigh Massey who was working for my old room mate of all places. I visited him at his company and the rest as they say is history. We were married in 2002 and moved to Buford on April 6th, 2006 on our first child Olivia’s one year birthday. Initially we were looking for a place to grow our family and Leigh’s sisters’ boys had been through the BCS system so that was attractive to us along with being near some family. God has a funny way of putting us in places that ultimately comes to light as life progresses. Our Daughter Olivia was diagnosed in February of 2013 with Viral Hepatitis where she spent 6 weeks in the hospital at CHOA. Upon Discharge from the Hepatology department they brought us to the elevator, when the doors opened we were in shock as the sign on the wall outside the elevator was Children’s CANCER and BLOOD DISORDER unit!
In retrospect we often wonder if the move was divine intervention knowing Olivia would need the care and treatment offered at one of the best children’s hospitals in the country. We’ll never know for sure – but we are grateful. Olivia was called home on Nov. 21 2014 after her Bone Marrow Transplant was unsuccessful. She is the Catalyst for Main St Deli. I struggled for quite some time. I needed something to do. I couldn’t go back to Whole Foods Market – I failed to say that I had transitioned from Hospitality to the Retail Grocery Business upon arriving in the area. I didn’t have it in me to return. My dream since College has always been to have my own shop, We had a little money saved and my wife said to me – she would want you to do this, So I opened Main St Deli on May 25, 2018.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Leigh and I have been married for 22 years and together for 25. She has made me a better person – I know for a fact it hasn’t been easy for her- at times I can be a handful. I am grateful for her in so many ways. We had Olivia in 2005 and our son Brayden in 2010. As you read, Olivia passed away in 2014 at nine years old. Brayden will be turning 14 very soon and is currently at BMS. He is becoming such an amazing young man. He is incredibly passionate about Musical Theatre and I’m looking forward to seeing what life has in store for him.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Upon graduation from Culinary School I moved myself to West Palm Beach Florida after receiving an offer to join the Pastry Department at the Ritz Carlton Palm Beach. I worked countess hours honing my craft growing with the Ritz as I became the Assistant Pastry Chef and ultimately moved to Palm Springs California as Executive Pastry Chef at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage; circa 94′-96′. Missing the east coast I moved back with my mentor to open up a brand new Country Club in Wabasso Florida, his acclaimed restaurant in Vero Beach FL and ultimately I was hired at the Disney Vero Beach Resort to be the Pastry Chef there. I have worked for some incredible companies that have had an immeasurable impact on my career. My next endeavor was my attempt at having a life outside of work. Through a Head Hunter I was hired as the Person Chef for Jeremy Jacobs and family. Among the many business endeavors of Mr. Jacobs is that he is the Owner of the Boston Bruins Hockey Team. This was a truly special time for me. The Jacobs and I got along well and life was good. They lived just outside Buffalo NY in the summers and Wellington Fl in the winters.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tani Thai is one of our go to’s in downtown Buford. Italian Pie makes a great pie and the wings are good too. We hit up Bravo probably once a week for sure, SO fresh!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Buford for 18 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would have to say that one of my employee’s, Damian Lovello has been the most interesting person. Damian spent 22 years in the Navy as a Corpsman with a rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class. A Corpsman accompanies Marine Units during Patrol to administer medical treatment. We’ve had some interesting conversations.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could it would be a dream to spend a couple of months exploring Europe and all its culture.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Bear on Hulu. Favorite movie is Chef with Jon Favreau.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
It’s not the will to win that makes one successful, it’s the will to PREPARE to win that makes one successful..
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
The Europe Trip!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My music follows my mood – i guess when in doubt I start with Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique Album and let it rip.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Tannery Buildings.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Three Star Michelin Chef Marco Pierre White. Was the person who had the most impact on my professional life at a young age. I would say he is was my first “hero” in the culinary world. His book White Heat is a recommended read.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In five years I still see myself here living in Buford, I’m hopeful to open a couple of other Deli locations but not forcing it. In ten years I’m tapping out and working on that Bucket list thing.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That my left leg is shorter than my right.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Maui Hawaii – honeymoon trip.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December. Christmas.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A long straight golf drive.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Campfire. Fresh Brewed Coffee.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warm, Family & Content.
