"We never closed for one storm, one hurricane, nothing," said Ackerman. Del's has provided dry ice to the hospital, and even was the site for several midnight weddings, as Ackerman's wife, Nancy Rose, is a notary - 24-hour, of course.
The best-selling item at Del's? Live bait shrimp. "Instead of gasoline we sell live bait shrimp," said Ackerman. During season he estimated that he sells about 18,000 pieces of live bait shrimp.
He calls Del's the working man's store. "With the help of God Almighty the working man supported us," he said.
Bayshore Pizza is also located in Del's. "We have the best Philly cheese steak in Florida," said proprietor David Stanley, a New Jersey native. Stanley specializes in authentic New York-style dough and his meat-lover's pizza doesn't lie. Patrons should truly love meat to order the pie. Bayshore Pizza also offers hot and cold subs, strombolis, calzones and pizza by the slice.
Stanley, Ackerman and his daughter, Tanya, the store manager ("Tanya runs the show," said Ackerman), are big on customer service. "When you walk in this store you always get a 'hello,' a 'how are you' and a big 'thank you'," said Ackerman.
As a part of the Naples community for the last four decades, Del's has donated to the Junior Deputies, United Way and Naples Community Hospital, among others. Regarding developers' interest in his Bayshore Drive property Ackerman said, "I didn't buy this corner to sell it, I bought it to run a successful business."
Ackerman insists that anything a customer requests they will stock. "Without the customers Del's would be nothing. The support has been fantastic."
Del's 24 Hr. Food Store is located at 2802 Thomasson Drive. For more information call 250-7754.