Anthony Kresge

Owner, Reef Dog Deli
Capitola, California -

Anthony was six, and his parents already knew that he would be in some sort of people business. It was 1974-75, and they lived just across the vineyard from Vintage 1870 in Yountville California, located in the heart of Napa Valley. For 10 cents, Anthony would empty garbage and help out around the local shops doing whatever a 6 year old could do at that age. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He was the kid who, if he wanted ice cream from the ice cream shop, he would walk in and serve it myself or bring others in and serve them. Ever since he can remember, he was around food. Of course, every great story starts in Grandma’s Kitchen, and both of Anthony’s grandmothers were excellent cooks. He really took that to heart, and ultimately decided to make it his career.

Anthony has always wanted to be the 'Old Man' behind the brand. He says he envisioned one day, that he would have an old farm truck with a white lab next to him, wife, kids, grandkids and a family grocer, nothing too big, but nice. A place that you could call home through generations of loyal customers, always greeted by their first name. Upon reflection, Anthony says, “I suppose I am half way there. I have the old dog, a yellow lab named reef, the lovely wife, the kids and 30 years of professional culinary and wine experience. If everything goes right, I'll buy a truck, my kids will grow up and have kids of their own and my wife will still love me as much as the day she met me. I am quite sure that long into my senior years, I will still be serving those same customers I started with 25 years from now.”

"Hello, welcome to Reef Dog Deli, how can help you!”