Historic downtown business has new owners

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A historic deli and candy store in downtown Urbana has new owners, who stepped in partly because the business has been so important to their family for generations.

Patsy Thackery, who now owns Carmazzi’s Deli and Candy Store with her husband Pat, is optimistic that a few minor changes will help preserve the store’s traditions while drawing in new customers. Still, she joked the move probably doesn’t make the most business sense on its face.

However, she said the small store at 100 S. Main St. has served Urbana residents since 1893 and she wanted that tradition to continue.

“In the back of my mind I say if the Harvard University School of Business looked at what I did, they would probably say that wasn’t a good business move because you put your emotion ahead of everything else,” she joked.

The Thackerys also own Cafe Paradiso, an Italian restaurant downtown, and that influence will be seen at Carmazzi’s as well. Carmazzi’s will offer an Italian sub as a tribute to former owner John Carmazzi. The Thackerys also previously owned a carryout restaurant called the Pepper Pod, and some menu items from that restaurant like burritos and quesadillas will also be added to the menu.

The store will also sell small toys, Christmas fruit baskets and classic candies that have been sold at Carmazzi’s for generations. The business will also sell some grocery staples like coffee and potato chips, many of which come from businesses throughout Champaign County.

A rewards program has also been added, offering children a free dollar’s worth of candy after 10 purchases of $1 or more.

The store had been in the Carmazzi family for generations after originally opening as a fruit store in 1893. Jeffrey Donay, a local chiropractor, stepped in to purchase the store after former owner John Carmazzi decided to retire. The Thackerys purchased the store from Donay.

Like Donay, Patsy Thackery said she wanted to make sure the landmark store continues to remain open for future generations, and could add some other features as well. The store is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and store hours could eventually be extended on weekdays, she said.

“We’re just hoping that by making it have that old feel that it’s had and adding some incentives that it will be a good fit,” Patsy Thackery said.