Soon after opening in April 2023, Kristin and Ed Cunningham, owners of The Spot Hometown Deli in Elizabethtown, began working with SCORE, a nationwide nonprofit supporting small businesses through free mentoring.

Their mentor, who has since retired, was instrumental in helping the Cunninghams perform a budget analysis and brainstorm ideas to increase sales. He even spent some early mornings with Ed as The Spot was rolling out its breakfast menu.

With their breakfast offerings finalized and bagel sandwiches selling increasingly faster month-over-month, the couple sought to take their eatery to a larger audience via SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. Out of more than 2,200 small businesses, The Spot Hometown Deli secured third place in the Philadelphia event, earning a $5,000 prize.

Contestants were narrowed down to 60 finalists who pitched their business ideas live before panels of judges at five regional events. Participants were matched with SCORE mentors to refine their pitches, strengthen their presentations and hone their business plans.

The Cunninghams collaborated with SCORE mentor Rhanisha Hill of the Susquehanna chapter, who has experience with pitch contests.

Next to building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and throughout their Lancaster County community, the Cunninghams are focused on crafting the best food possible from high-quality ingredients.

Offerings including the club sandwich, which is the deli's best seller; Reubens and Rachels; and the Man Cave, which features corned beef, aged provolone and a barbecue beer mustard.

Monthly and weekly specials rotate and include spaghetti and meatballs on garlic bread with mozzarella. Ed recently perfected a recipe for Reuben soup, which features corned beef, sauerkraut, homemade rye croutons and shredded Swiss cheese on top.

The Cunninghams are also committed to giving back to their employees. In addition to purchasing new refrigeration equipment with the pitch contest winnings, the couple earmarked funds for its two top managers.

Ed, a former police officer, and Kristin, a nurse of nearly 25 years, also provide job opportunities for people as they re-enter the workforce after an incarceration, post-recovery or amid homelessness with the intent of helping staff gain experience and find a better job opportunity.

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit http://www.score.org.

More information about The Spot Hometown Deli is available at http://www.spotdeli.com.