At Ernie’s, our roots run deep – and it’s all about family. The co-owners of Ernie’s, Dave and Erin (who happen to be married) share a deep passion rooted in family traditions of hospitality, feeding others, and savoring the beauty of fine wine.
Growing up in Northern California, Dave had a kitchen filled with the best of the best. His mom, Chris would travel all around San Francisco for cold cuts and lox from the best Jewish delis and desserts and breads from the best bakeries in the city. He remembers his dad, Carl waiting up late to feed the bellies of his hungry high school friends and later Erin and his grandkids each time they would visit. Dave learned all of his family recipes and developed a love for feeding those around him like his sweet dad.
His wife, Erin grew up in the central coast in a family with a passion for wine. Her grandfather, Gordon Anderson retired in St. Helena to fulfill his lifelong dream of winemaking. Located on the iconic Pritchard Hill, he had his delicious chardonnay and cabernet bottled by the beloved Chappellet Winery. She grew up tasting the best of the best and cherishes memories of sampling wine in his cellar, learning the art and passion of winemaking.
But who is Ernie?!
Ernie is actually the childhood nickname of the lovely lady above. Born Erin, she was quickly nicknamed Ernie by big sis, Emily (our amazing wine director), and soon was known to all who loved her as “Ernie.”
Erin was never a huge fan of this nickname (as it does conjure up images of an old man running a deli) but decades later when she met Dave, her nickname started to grow on her.
Living in Santa Monica, the pair met waiting tables. Dave had decided she needed a nickname as Erin wasn’t “rolling off the tongue”. Later that day he said, “I know…I’m going to call you, Ernie.”
She stopped in her tracks because, living far from her sweet hometown of Atascadero, no one knew her nickname. It felt serendipitous…and like home. From that day forward, during their wedding vows, 20 years and 4 kids later, he has never called her anything but.
A few years ago, Dave sat her down and confessed that he was “dying, a slow death” in the software sales industry and that he wanted to, at last, pursue his dream of opening a restaurant. Ernie was less than enthusiastic. But, Dave (always a good salesman, whether he liked the industry or not) closed that deal by telling her he wanted to call the deli “Ernie’s.” How could she refuse? Spoiler, she couldn’t.
Together, they bring their rich family traditions to Ernie’s Deli & Wine Bar and look forward to sharing it with you!
We can’t wait to see you at Ernie’s!
