Title: Owner
Company: Metro Deli
Location: Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Rob Bazemore, Owner at Metro Deli, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Restaurant Industry.
Mr. Bazemore is an experienced entrepreneur who has owned and operated Metro Deli in Tallahassee, Florida, for over two decades. In this position, he oversees all aspects of the restaurant’s daily operations. Each morning, he opens the deli at 7:30 am, managing a team of 12 to 15 employees while ensuring that every customer receives attentive service. Under Mr. Bazemore’s leadership, Metro Deli has become a well-known fixture downtown. Located near numerous state buildings, including the city hall and the federal courthouse, it is also near the local high school, all of which contribute to its unique mix of patrons, ranging from students and construction workers to lobbyists and federal judges.
Mr. Bazemore takes pride in having kept Metro Deli open and thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges many small businesses faced during this period, he maintained operations and continued serving the community. The establishment’s reputation for welcoming a broad spectrum of customers, where individuals from various walks of life sit side by side, reflects its commitment to inclusivity and quality service.
A business rooted in traditional values and personal interaction, Metro Deli is family-owned and operated. Emphasizing face-to-face service, Mr. Bazemore prefers direct customer engagement over automated kiosks. This old-fashioned style fosters a sense of nostalgia and community among patrons, many of whom appreciate the consistent presence of staff and the opportunity for genuine conversation.
In preparation for his future, Mr. Bazemore earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Florida State University in Tallahassee in 2004. His academic background has informed his understanding of people and cultures, which he applies daily in managing staff and serving customers from varied backgrounds.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Bazemore is dedicated to civic engagement and philanthropy. He volunteers with Special Olympics, supports local high school sports programs as a donor, and is a member of Seminole Boosters, Inc. Additionally, he donates gift cards to silent auctions benefiting community causes and serves as both a supporter and a volunteer for the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University.
Mr. Bazemore’s entry into restaurant ownership was shaped by practical experience and mentorship. While attending college, he considered opening his own eatery, but ultimately took over Metro Deli from its previous owner. Before acquiring Metro Deli, Mr. Bazemore worked in several restaurants, gaining essential knowledge that would later prove invaluable.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bazemore has drawn inspiration from peers within the industry whose dedication to their businesses mirrored his own values. These individuals provided guidance through example rather than formal mentorship, reinforcing his commitment to hands-on management and customer care.
Mr. Bazemore’s achievements have been recognized through honors such as a nomination for the 40 Under 40 accolade. He attributes much of his success to the support of his family and an exceptional team. Notably, some of his employees have been with him since the deli’s inception, while others have remained for more than a decade. Looking ahead, Mr. Bazemore plans for future success by expanding Metro Deli and opening additional locations while continuing to prioritize both family needs and business success.
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