Open Small Businesses - Steady Commerce

Awna Romano-Murphy Underwood opened the Camas Pick-Me-Up-Deli on December 2, 2019. It was her life’s dream to have an Italian Deli where she could offer fresh pasta, pizza, salads, soups and sandwiches in the community in which she was born and raised.

Awna has had the amazing support of her husband and family, and she has been able to support a team of 4 employees, 3 students and one single mom. 

To ensure the health and safety of the team
and patrons, Awna decided to close the deli doors to internal customers, one week before the Washington State Social Distancing mandate.  The crew continued to serve the community in new ways; drive up, take out and delivery.  They also integrated new programs such as take out dinners, pre-ordered meals, and new food items like Italian Sodas, fresh baked baguettes, and pasta dinners. Plus, made internal changes which included increased hours of operation, decreased staffing, and pre-ordered meals. 

The most major profit loss has been the wholesale side of their business. The Camas Deli crafts menu items, makes, packages, seals, labels and distributes breakfast, lunch and salads to local shops and coffee houses who then sell to their customers. 

Those shops have all closed.

The Deli, the staff, the wholesale workers... everyone involved has seen a dramatic reduction in hours and pay.  The past three weeks has been a devastating hit on a their new food establishment. An establishment that was about to embark on their grand opening and name change to ‘Muranos Italian Deli,’ just this month.  The plan was to only move forward and up! The feasibility study and financial plan all show what is possible.

Then CoVid happens. 
This has hit us hard! 

If you have a love for Camas, for Italy, for Italian cuisine, for women in business, for supporting entrepreneurs, or have a deep desire to help good people from going under, please chose to help us. 

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and pray for health and safety around the world.

The Camas Pick Me Up Deli Team 
www.CamasPickMeUp.com