Small Business Owner Spotlight: Danita Sulick of Mulberry

Small Business SpotlightBy Danita Sulick, OwnerMulberry Street

Our story is a Manchester story. Bob and I both grew up here and even though I went to school with his sister, we didn’t meet until we were both adults and working at Cavey’s, a local restaurant! We were just one of several couples that met there and eventually got married. The Journal Inquirer even wrote an article about all four love stories!

Although Bob and I first met at a restaurant, I had no inclination to open our own! It wasn’t until after Bob left Cavey’s and worked at corporate jobs that he felt we should start our own business. Initially, we pursued a franchise opportunity that never came to be. It was a tough and very expensive year. However, it wasn’t a failure because that experience is what led us to the business we have today.

Bob and I have now run Mulberry for 17 years. We started out as a small pizza take-out on South Main Street. Some days I miss that small shop! When we were ready to grow we started looking at other take-out locations. One day I was driving by and saw this space and thought it would be the perfect location. It didn’t open up right away, but when it did, we took it! It took a while before we started to see some real success. Part of that was due to our first amazing bartender, Katie, she really built the bar. When she left and Mark came we weren't’ sure how our customers would like a male bartender, but Mark won them over. He’s a musician and a great employee - and the customers just love him.

Several employees like Brandon and Trent have been with us from the beginning. This type of loyalty is so important to us. We are a family business and our employees become like family and I love that. I mean, some of our employees are family - my children have each worked here and two of my children - Molly and Colin - still do!

Our customers are also very loyal. They saw us through COVID when things got really hard. I’m glad that people are coming back to eat indoors again, and Bob just loves talking to every customer. Bob’s dad was a doctor here in town and it is so fun when people come in and say, “Hey, your dad delivered me!” That’s part of the small-town vibe that is great about Manchester. Mulberry Street wouldn’t be here without these great customers.I love being a part of Downtown Manchester and being a part of the traditions like the Manchester Road Race - but, it’s truly our customers that make it great

.Danita Sulick, Owner of Mulberry Street