He’s ten years old, fast on his feet, and spends most of his free time at soccer practices and tournaments.  And when he’s not on a field somewhere, he can be found at Kaptein’s, eating a sandwich and cheering on his dad.

“I’ve been coming here since forever,” he said.  “My favorite is the bacon, egg, and cheese.  And the people here.  They’re friendly and stuff.”

He started playing soccer at an early age and now practices Monday through Friday, with games on weekends and big tournaments including one coming up in Tampa.  And his favorite player?

“Messi…for all of his skills and speed.”

In between all the soccer talk, the conversation wandered to Luis’s pancakes, his Oma’s love of bread and butter at Thanksgiving, and what Kaptein’s means to him.  Does it feel like family?

He smiled then nodded vigorously.  

What does he want people to know about his favorite deli?  

“That it’s really good. The food…and everybody here.”

He comes to Kaptein’s often during the summer, and when asked if he sees himself working here someday, he shrugged, then grinned. “Yeah…”

His story is simple but golden: joy, family, big dreams, and his dad’s deli … a place that has always felt like home.