Meet Anthony Biggie” Bencomo | Sandwich Eating Connoisseur & owner of Deli Fresh Threads”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony “Biggie”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to started my own business because I work a corporate job and felt I needed to use my creativity and was missing something in my life. I promised my wife we wouldn’t go bankrupt (Ha Ha). She asked me if I won the lotto what would I do. I told her I love sandwiches but didn’t want to open a sandwich shop. I decided to sandwich my 2 loves- Sandwiches and t-shirts and started Deli Fresh Threads, a clothing brand inspired by the King of Meals- the sandwich!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I studied marketing at the University of Central Florida and ran a clothing brand before starting Deli Fresh Threads. The brand was dedicated to UCF fans and was a niche brand. I learned a lot from having that brand and also loved that it was niche. I did however learn that when you run a brand based on a team- sales fluctuate based on their winning and losing. Something you have no control over. You could say we were was ahead of our time with that first clothing brand. I did learn that it’s ok to have a niche brand and if you showcase it and build a community around that niche you can be successful.

I have been in business for almost 10 years because I have shown my love and passion for sandwiches and have backed it up- whether its with the quality of product we offer; the details in our designs, as well as, our shirts are wrapped and packaged like a sandwich and come bagged with a handwritten deli note- it’s those details that set me apart but also shows my love of my business and appreciation to the consumer.

I have used Deli Fresh Threads like a lighting rod of opportunities and I have learned to say YES and to let it take me on this amazing journey. Leading me to TV opportunities, Food Judging, starting a podcast showcasing others (Lunch with Biggie), to having celebs wearing my brand. It’s a decision and opportunity I am glad I said yes to doing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I am in Miami- I have to take you or direct you to check out the ever popular and rightfully so- Sanguich for a Cubano or a Croqueta Preparada sandwich. If I am ever in need for a place to eat in South Florida I am reaching out to my boy- Burger Beast- he has a wealth of food knowledge when it comes to burgers and comfort food.

If you are coming to my city of Orlando- I would have you try my sandwich at Gnarly Barley – the Biggie’s Bomb-Me and do some shopping at the shops and bars at Ivanhoe Village. If you are craving sweets I’d recommend heading to the Audubon Park area and get some Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream or an always favorite Gideon’s Bakehouse for their half pound cookies in the East End Market. Best part about that is that their are a bunch of shops there as well.

If sandwiches are your love – can’t go wrong heading to the Milk District and checking out some great sandwich shops all in the same area.

If you like beer- we have many to choose from-just depends on where you are at the moment.
I know you are thinking…. Biggie you live in Orlando – thats where Mickey and Harry live- yes they do but Orlando is more than that and we have some underrated places to eat and see in the City Beautiful. Just need to go where the locals go and enjoy the laid back and fun atmosphere available to you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife and daughter for their continued support all these years. I want to give a big shoutout to my good friend Will Truran, he’s helped me throughout out making sure to remove the hurdles I can create for myself and pushing me to see that my brand can be bigger and better. We need more people like that, who want you to succeed and cheer you on along the way. I also want to give love and a shoutout to all the sandwich eaters that have created an amazing community of supporting my brand and supporting all the great small businesses making awesome sandwiches.

Website: DeliFreshThreads.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/DeliFreshThreads

Twitter: twitter.com/DeliFreshThrds

Facebook: Facebook.com/DeliFreshThreads

Other: my podcast – Lunch with Biggie is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Image Credits
Deli Fresh Threads or Ben Jimenez Photography