For nearly 40 years, Savannah has been home to Paula Letcher, and that deep connection to the community is at the heart of the business she has built with her partner, Johnny Baker. Johnny unfortunately passed away unexpectedly during the COVID pandemic, leaving Paula as the sole owner.

Today, coffee•deli is a locally owned neighborhood coffee shop and deli in Midtown Savannah, serving the community with breakfast, lunch, coffee and catering for small private and corporate events. But for Letcher, the business is about much more than what comes out of the kitchen.

It’s about knowing your neighbors—and listening to them.

“We have been in Savannah all of our lives and know what our customers want,” Letcher says. “We interact with our friends, family and neighbors and give them exactly what they ask for without all of the corporate mess usually associated with big box locations.”

That personal approach is one of the things that sets coffee•deli apart. The menu is large and constantly evolving, with new specials and offerings regularly making an appearance. And if customers have an idea for something they don't see, Letcher wants to hear it.

“If you don't see something on our very large menu, we are always open to suggestions,” she says. “We love making our neighbors happy by providing what they want in their neighborhood.”

The evolution of coffee•deli began somewhat unexpectedly.

Letcher and Baker were operating another business in the same shopping center when an opportunity opened up. An existing coffee shop was available after its owner decided to move on, and the pair took over the space.

What began as a coffee shop gradually grew into the multifaceted business it is today.

“We grew the business from a coffee shop into what we have now, an ever-evolving coffee shop and deli,” Letcher says.

That evolution continues. Paula is currently preparing to expand its catering menu with new offerings, while Paula is also keeping an eye on a potential second location.

For now, the focus remains on continuing to improve what they already have.

That community focus extends to the coffee•deli staff. Many employees have been with the business since its early days, while others are children of local families.

The team includes students who return during school vacations and employees who live nearby.

“We have a staff that lives in and around the neighborhood,” Letcher says. “Most of our team has been with us since the beginning or are children of our community.”

For a locally owned business, that connection matters. It means the people behind the counter are often serving friends, neighbors, and families they know outside of work.

Letcher herself understands the value of putting down roots. She grew up in Pembroke, Georgia, where her mother was also raised. Her family moved to Savannah nearly four decades ago, and the city has been home ever since.

Outside of coffee•deli, her priorities remain close to home with her family and friends.

For Letcher, building a successful business doesn't mean trying to be everything to everyone. It means paying attention to the people who walk through the door and continuing to give them reasons to return.

Whether it's a new menu special, a customized order, or catering for a gathering, coffee•deli strives to be the kind of neighborhood business where customers feel heard.

As coffee•deli looks toward new catering options, its foundation remains unchanged: local ownership, familiar faces, and a willingness to listen.

After all, that's what a neighborhood business is supposed to be.