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From left to right, starting with the SBA's Dawn Golik with scissors in hands: SBA Regional Administrator Michael Vallante, Deli Delicious Franchising President Mohammad Hobab and Mayor Lee Brand cut the ribbon for Deli Delicious' new bakery. Photo by Frank Lopez

published on May 2, 2018 - 1:52 PM
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The Small Business Administration office in Fresno hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at DD’s Bakery , a new business from Deli Delicious that will provide fresh bread to its 53 stores in California.

The SBA also recognized Mohammad Hobab, president of Deli Delicious Franchising, as SBA’s 2018 Small Business Person of the Year for Central California and the Central Coast and presented him with a certificate.

Deli Delicious employees, and community members were present at the ceremony, along with Mayor Lee Brand and Regional Administrator for SBA Michael A. Vallante.

Brand said he is proud to see that a small business like the one Deli Delicious started out as can grow into a state-wide franchise, and that his Business Friendly Fresno plan can help and incentivize the small business community.

“This ties into what I’ve been promoting since my time as mayor; Business Friendly Fresno. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We are not simply going to have better practices, we are going to be the most business friendly city in the state of California.”

Vallante echoed the mayor’s sentiments in regards to the recent business and economic activity going on in Fresno, and how vital small business are to a community.

“We often say that small business is the engine of our American economy,” Vallante said. “I also say that it is the heart of communities. They create jobs and they create value and opportunity within the community.”

After the press conference, the ceremonial ribbon was cut and then there was a tour of the bakery.

The 10,000 square foot facility is located on Knoll Drive right off of North Brawley Avenue and Gettysburg Avenue. It has 6,000 square feet dedicated to bakery production, was in development for 2 1/2 years and cost about $2 million.

Since the bakery barely opened, there are only 12 employees there, but once it is at full production, the bakery will be able to be operated 24 hours a day if needed, and the production staff could triple.

Currently there is only one oven in the bakery that can produce 1,000 loaves of bread a day, but four more will be added once the bakery is at full production.

In a press release from the SBA sent out in April, Hobab said he is thankful for the award and the recognition of his business.

“I am honored to be recognized as the Small Business Administration’s 2018 Small Business Person of the Year for Central California and the Central Coast,” Hobab. “I appreciate the assistance SBA has given to our company and franchisees, and I am grateful to the wonderful employees and owners of Deli Delicious restaurants who work so hard to take care of their customers, and serve their communities.”


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