The Cleveland corned beef legacy was established in 1964 when a young man came from Lebanon hungry for the American Dream. Ralph Abdallah started the deli in hopes of at least being able to feed his family.

Joseph and Mae Slyman took over in 1972 and held onto the original recipes, but introduced the mile high sandwiches. The large portions symbolize the family’s gratitude to the people for making their American dream come true.

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Although the ownership has bounced around within the family, the menu has hardly changed. Current owners Freddie and Moe Slyman stand by the idea of having a small menu, but specializing in each item.

“Longevity is key,” Freddie said. “We’ve been doing this for over 50 years with the same menu and we found our niche.”

He says people come back because they are guaranteed a good meal.

The staff believes personalized service is what makes them unique in this day and age. There is a strong focus on total care for each sandwich and for each customer.

The Slyman family  ensures every batch of meat is cooked thoroughly with the original recipe, the bread is fresh, and most of all the service is top notch.

Freddie aims to give his customers the biggest bang for their buck. He claims quality and quantity is what leaves people wanting more.

The family owned and operated establishment prides itself on returning customers. Each waitress will tell you the best part of working in the business is the people they deal with on a daily basis.

Slyman’s greets each person that walks into the door with a smile because in the family’s eyes smiling is free.

They enjoy seeing familiar faces walk through the door and are always welcoming first timers.

Laura Eppler, who has been a part of the staff for over 28 years, says they have regular customers that have been dining with them for over thirty years so they begin to feel like family. The staff enjoys watching people grow up over the years.

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“You can get good food in a lot of places,” frequent customer Mike Parks said. “But Slyman’s is special because of those guys behind the counter, because of the waitresses, because of the people that you see here that you know.”

The praises and five star reviews from customers aren’t the only recognition the deli has received over the last 51 years. Esquire passed the crown of “World’s Best Corned Beef Sandwich” to Slyman’s in 2008.

Famous figures such as Rachel Ray, the Bare Naked Ladies and even President George W. Bush have walked through the Slyman’s doors and indulged in Cleveland’s finest.

 

Freddie said seeing the President enter his shop really nailed what his uncle and parents dreamt of this place. At the end of the day they aspire to serve and thank the American people.