Cold Spring’s new deli is for everybody!
Located on 72 Main Street, Nobody’s Deli was recently opened by 49-year-old ex-armyman John Flagler on Saturday, October 19; but the little sandwich shop began as a dream two years prior. Flagler grew up in Idaho, and has lived a life of travel due to his service in the military. From Missouri, U.S.A, to Kaiserslautern, Germany, to Bosnia, in the Balkans, Flagler has been all over the place, finally settling in Cold Spring with his wife, Tara, a local. Tara herself owns a business in Cold Spring, the popular bubble tea shop Sweet Harvest. Their children attended and played sports at Haldane, and Flagler coached at the school, in sports such as baseball. After a life of adventure that was only continued through his work with Haldane, Flagler said he “wanted to connect with the school.”
“What can I do to give back?” Flagler asked himself. The deli was his answer. Decorated with awards and images of Haldane sports teams and players, Flagler is planning on collecting even more items as the years pass, celebrating the athletic accomplishments of local students. While Nobody’s Deli officially closes at 6, Flagler said that he plans on staying open for sports teams that need a place to meet or hang out. “They can come here, no charge, to just be in the space,” Flagler said. Nobody’s Deli has a Playstation, where Haldane teams can play FIFA or Madden with their teammates. The TVs in Nobody’s Deli can also be used to stream Haldane’s sports games. “No pressure to buy anything,” Flagler confirmed, stating that he wants the deli to be a place of community. “This is who I am. I want music going on, I want the team here.”
When the idea for Nobody’s Deli came to him, Flagler faced skepticism. “People always told me, don’t do a deli,’” he said. “Everybody wanted to give me advice.” But for Flagler, the discouragement did nothing to stop him. Opening Nobody’s Deli had never been about the money; it was about bonding with Cold Spring, and providing a safe space for everyone on their life’s journey. The deli’s name ties into this idea. “When you’re growing up, people judge you for who you are…” Flagler said, “I got tired of telling people.” Mentioning his military experience, Flagler said he began telling people that he was ‘nobody’ instead. “You come from nothing, from nowhere, and you find your own path,” Flagler explained. “You’re nobody.” Nobody’s Deli is for anyone figuring themself out. “Everybody has their story,” Flagler said, “And I have mine.” The deli belongs to nobody, and thus belongs to everybody. Flagler clarified that he does not intend to replace other popular Cold Spring hot spots, such as Cold Spring Pizza– he only wishes to be a welcoming place of community.
Flagler is partnered in this business with his son, Luke. “We both believe in it,” Flagler said, of the deli and its message. Nobody’s Deli sells all the deli food standards, and merchandise as well, such as t-shirts and hats. Named after ESPN’s Top Ten, Nobody’s Top Ten is a special menu created by Ronal Valdez, a chef in Boston who used to work for Flagler.
Nobody’s Deli is now open for business, walls adorned with Haldane athletic paraphernalia, ready to welcome everybody.