Juan Carlos Villamar came to the United States from Peru four years ago. His wife, Clara Pichardo, emigrated from the Dominican Republic six years ago. Neither of them arrived in America with any experience owning a business. But two months ago, the couple decided to pursue a lifelong dream by opening their own deli in Bedford Park.

Villamar and Pichardo say Tambo Deli prides itself on making “homemade, traditionally-made products.” Their specialties include empanadas, which are available in six different flavors, as well as flan, homemade potato salad, and an array of freshly made smoothies.

The store features cheap combos, such as a bagel and coffee for only one dollar. Lunch specials are around six dollars. Villamar also stressed that he has discount wraps and other food items for cash-strapped nearby Lehman College students.

Tambo gets especially busy around 7 a.m. when customers stop in for bagels and coffee before work, Villamar and Pichardo said.

The atmosphere in the store is friendly and welcoming. Even though the husband and wife co-owners do not speak much English, the customers are not exclusively Spanish-speaking or bilingual, and the store already boasts some regular customers.

George, one of those newly-minted regulars and a retired local resident, said he likes Tambo because “it’s something different in the area.”

Villamar and Pichardo are pleased with the early success of their fledgling business, saying they like the neighborhood because it is a high-traffic area between two subways and near three major thoroughfares – the Grand Concourse, Jerome Avenue and Bedford Park (where the deli is).

Their short-term goals are modest. The couple simply wants the deli “to be a better place and continue to produce high quality products.”

In the future, however, the co-owners hope to expand their business by adding more items to their menu and opening more delis in the area. They also hope to equip their deli with a wireless internet connection.

For now, though, they are content with their new business endeavor and continue to “pray for everything to go well.”

Ed. note: Tambo Deli, located at 34 Bedford Park Blvd. E., is currently open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Soon, the owners hope to begin staying open until 11 p.m. For more information, call Tambo Deli at (347) 531-7864.