DLM has had the good fortune to have some wonderful people work here over the years. Back in August 1962, a young man from Mérida on the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico got a job at DLM as a carryout, making 75¢ an hour. Five years later we were fortunate enough to have his future wife work for us as a cashier.
Some of you have undoubtedly guessed that I’m talking about Produce Director José Manzano, and his wife Patty Manzano, Floral Manager at Springboro. They retired on April 30 after a combined 94 years of incredible service to DLM and its customers. They are moving to Florida to be with their daughter Christina, son-in-law George, and grandsons Miguel and George (Jorgito).
In every position Patty has held at DLM, she has put her heart and soul into it. After cashiering, she moved to the cash booth, Front End Manager, meat wrapper, deli counter, signage and décor, and finally to Gift Baskets & Floral Manager, where many customers have loved her talents as a floral designer. We’ve always shared the same sense of humor and have had many great laughs over the years. Not to mention all the times she’s brought me Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!
José started off as a carryout and has worked in just about every department. From stockman, Frozen Foods Manager, Dairy Manager, Front End Manager, Grocery Manager, to Produce Director, José has been instrumental in training many of our management and executive team directly under his wing. As Produce Director, his experience, highly organized nature, and passion for excellence are reflected in the beauty, selection, and quality of our fresh fruits and vegetables now at DLM. For decades he has sourced fruits and vegetables from local farmers. He has helped create close relationships with some of the finest growers in the United States, such as Stemilt and Driscoll’s, that we will cherish forever. He worked diligently to have DLM become the only organic certified produce grocer in the area. Not only will he be remembered as a talented Produce Director but also as a talented singer. Many of us fondly recall the times we heard him belt out You Are My Sunshine in our backrooms as well as at our staff parties.
Nobody loves good food and a wonderful meal better than the Manzanos, and we know they will always be on the hunt for great food in Florida. José and Patty have been the best of friends to all of us here at DLM. They are the “stuff” DLM is made of. Thank you José and Patty for giving your working life to Dorothy Lane Market. We will miss you and we wish you both the very best in all your endeavors—¡Una cariñosa despidida con nuestros mejores deseos!
P.S. Patty & José created this delicious recipe for Authentic Mexican Guacamole. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!
Come join me and my friends (that just happen to be fabulous chefs) from The Meadowlark, Rue Dumaine, Season’s Bistro and Grille and Roost Modern Italian as we cook up a bountiful six course feast sourced from local area growers to benefit The Glen Helen Raptor Center.
