By Julie Chai

Layoff leads one local worker to open his own specialty food store

Something for everyone

Earlier this year, Jonathan Thalberg was happily employed at a well-known high-tech company. But like many companies, Thalberg’s employer restructured its workforce and, consequently, eliminated his position.

But rather than viewing the layoff as yet another sign of a troubled economy, Thalberg saw it as just the opportunity he needed to realize a dream that had been simmering in his mind for years: owning his own store.

In May, Thalberg switched gears after more than a decade in the high-tech industry and opened a specialty food and gift store called It’s Delicious. When asked about his product offerings, Thalberg said he applied a litmus test to each item in the store: Everything you see, taste or touch has to be delicious.

Foodies won’t be disappointed. The store’s floor plan encourages strolling and, with its sunflower-colored walls and upbeat music, shopping in It’s Delicious is a sensory delight. Standing in front of a scenic mural that he commissioned from Los Altos artist Kim Domino, Thalberg said, “People come into my store and they’re taken away.”

Seasoned chefs and novice cooks alike will find enticing gourmet vinegars, fragrant teas, infused oils and unusual preserves and chutneys nestled into carved wood furniture.

They will also be tempted by products from Restaurant LuLu and hot fudge from C.C. Brown’s, the creator of the hot fudge sundae.

To serve these delectables, customers can take home colorful Tunisian ceramics, Spanish olive wood serving utensils and handmade Peggy Karr glassware. And they’ll appreciate the store’s “smelling station.” where they can sample teas and spice rubs before making a purchase.

Thalberg is a true food lover and works a crowd of customers as if he’s hosting a party. He chats with everyone who comes in, finds out what they’re looking for and offers seemingly limitless suggestions about how to use various products.

Those with specific dietary constraints will be happy to find that, while many of the items in the store are decadent, It’s Delicious also carries many products that are sugarless, salt-free and low-fat. And Thalberg makes it standard practice to fulfill special requests. “If customers don’t see what they want in the store, I’ll do my best to get it,” he said.

He also makes custom gift baskets and boxes with full-size items.

While the store has only been open for a few months, It’s Delicious has already gained a loyal following. Regular customer Stephanie Andersen said, “I love it. It’s hard to find local stores with unique items.

The quality of items is great, and the layout is artistic so itís pleasant to shop here.”

Another frequent shopper, Barbara Stankus, said, “It’s very elegant and shows a lot of creativity in the selections. I’m excited to see what comes next.óI come every Saturday.î

It’s Delicious is located at 127 South Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. For more information, call (408) 746-9711.