VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

The owner of Michael’s Deli, Petra Prince, lived under communist rule in Bratislava, Slovakia (Czechoslovakia) until 1989.

Craig Prince, owner of Michael’s Deli, moved to Bratislava after the fall of communism to teach English, and help with the transition to a democracy.

Craig lived in Bratislava for a couple of years. This is where Petra met her future husband.

When the couple eventually moved back to the States, Craig worked for Yum Brands Taco Bell.

It was in the 1990s when the couple moved to Valdosta. Craig was managing the Taco Bells in South Georgia.

It was in 1997 when the couple opened Michael’s Deli. Craig used his management experience to teach his wife and crew about restaurant operations.

Petra had experience handling food from her time in Bratislava.

“Growing up under communistic rule, you needed to grow and preserve most of your own food products to make it through the winters,” Petra said. “I was always helping with my parents in our garden. My father even owned his own restaurant in Slovakia for a short time, so you could say that I’ve always been around food prep in one way or another. Having our own restaurant just seemed like a logical next step after my husband left Taco Bell.”

Since opening the business, Craig and Petra’s children became involved in the business.

“Our three sons and a daughter all grew up working here at Michael’s Deli,” Petra said. “It’s truly been a family-run business. Our youngest son is still with us working as a manager. In 2008, my husband suffered a massive heart attack and had to retire from the daily operations. That’s when I took over full-time daily management while he helps as much as he can behind the scenes at home.”

At the end of the interview, Petra asked to say thank you to the community for the support through the years.

“We’d love to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Valdosta community and our loyal customers for your patronage over the years. If you’ve never eaten with us, please accept this invitation to stop by, you just might be pleasantly surprised.”

Michael’s Deli, 1307 N Ashley St., is open 10:30a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (229) 293-9905.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.