Kathleen Haggerty, Owner & Head Chef of Buffalo Deli, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. So, it's no surprise that after graduating with Honors from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and moving west, she sought to keep her roots alive by opening up a New York Style deli in Seattle, which caters to "the people."

Her philosphy is simple. Give to the community, provide incredible service, use only high quality ingredients, and sell at a reasonable price. This is her recipe for success and it has been working for her since 1999. She scours the Market every morning to hand-pick the freshest ingredients she can find, coupled with importing meats and cheeses from Boars Head, which is based in her native New York. It's this dedication and integrity that makes The Buffalo Deli rise above the rest.

She also believes in keeping her deli small with a neighborhood feel. Since "the people" are the most important to her, she helps the neighborhood in any way she can. Since opening her doors in 1999 she has given to Verbena, the Seattle Fire & Police departments, outdoor groups and many more art/music organizations.

"By giving back to the community, I feel good about myself, my shop and the people who support me every day. It is my obligation, as a small-business owner, in a neighborhood setting, to do what I can to make a difference around me." Says Haggerty.