In addition to focusing on the best sandwiches they could make, the new owners worked diligently to create relationships with individual customers and the Springfield community.
Rosencrans — a coach and athletic department director at Wittenberg, who passed away in 2003 of ALS — and Wagner both knew that the secret to long-term success would be the relationships they built in the area they cared so much about.
It’s a philosophy that continues to resonate today with Wagner’s son Ty Wagner, 30, who currently works as general manager of the business and, in his own words, grew up there.
“Dad told me our customers can spend their money wherever they want, they don’t have to spend their money here. We try to put ourselves in their shoes and provide all of the things that we would want,” Ty Wagner says. “Anyone can put meat on bread. There are now more Subways than McDonalds in the world. Anyone can sell a sandwich. We try to find the best ingredients and refuse to back down on our quality.”
It’s that quality control that Ty’s father Mike Wagner says is so important.
“We try to do things right; we don’t take any short cuts. Even our tomatoes that we purchase are vine ripe. We stage them and ripen them on premise. We go to that extent to be sure you’re getting hot house tomatoes in winter. ... It’s the little things you do like that to be a cut above, and it takes work” Mike Wagner says.
The history
Since its humble beginnings more than 35 years ago, the business has embarked on three major expansions that have significantly changed the look of the restaurant, but never the flavors or preparation of their famous steamed sandwiches. In 1981 a dining room was added, in 1983 the kitchen and prep areas were expanded and 2006 saw the grand opening of Rosy’s Pressbox — a sports bar that was a long-time dream of Mike and Rosy when they first opened the business so many years before. The large open bar stands as a tribute to Rosencrans decorated with sports memorabilia, 14 TVs and seating for 50 all attached to a heated outdoor second-floor patio and outdoor seating. In 2008 the downstairs dining room was remodeled to match the décor and design of the bar.
The Wagner family credits the business’ success to dedicated customers, a supportive community and of course, the partnership with Rosencrans that started it all.
“He cared about everybody — everybody knew him, everybody liked him. He was just a special person,” says Mike.
It’s a philosophy of living that is deeply embedded into the day-to-day operations of the business and part of the reason both Mike and Ty say people have continued to come back for more.
“One of the coolest things that happens is when a person comes in and you know their order. You can talk about whatever you want and all the while you are making their sandwich. We have people that have been getting the same sandwich for 35 years,” Ty says.
Loyal customers
Springfield resident and loyal customer Bob Kavanaugh says it’s just one of the reasons he loves to eat at the deli he’s been frequenting for nearly 25 years.
“My daughter is 17 years old and the staff remembers me putting her up there in her pumpkin seat,” he said. “My favorite thing is the turkey sandwich — the staff knows my order. Turkey on dark rye with muenster cheese and a cup of chili.”
Wittenberg University has also played a major role in the growth and success of the business.
“Rosy was an athletic director and a football coach at Wittenberg. We’ve grown up as a business with them,” says Ty. “They put the 500th win game football in the deli. In February, the women’s volleyball team won division III national championship and celebrated at the deli.”
The business doesn’t take that kind of support lightly and works to extend it back to the community whenever possible. It prides itself on having only worked with local contractors and suppliers over the years on both the remodels and expansions.
“You get to meet so many new people. I’ve gotten to have more interesting conversations,” says Ty. “It’s an education every day with people. I always tell people I’m in grad school. My dad’s the professor.”
Headed to Springfield?
There are several events coming up in Springfield that can be combined with a Mike & Rosy’s visit. In fact, General Manager Ty Wagner says it is not uncommon for tours to go out of their way to visit the deli. Here are just a few of our favorite upcoming events to choose from if you’re looking to make a trip out that way:
Springfield Extravaganza: Clark County Fairgrounds, May 18-20; www.springfieldantiqueshow.com
The Second City comedy tour: Kuss Auditorium, May 18; http://pac.clarkstate.edu/second_city_-_lol_tour.php
Swap meet and car show: Clark County Fairgrounds, May 25-27; www.ohioswap meet.com
3rd Annual Young's Farmstead Cheese Festival, June 9-10; http://youngsdairy.com/farmstead-cheese-festival
Summer Arts Festival: Veteran's Park, June 15-July 22; www.springfieldartscouncil.org/summer-arts-festival.html
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