Berkley

'Success is doing what you love to do'

By Jeremy Selweski
C & G Staff Writer

Berkley woman opens first restaurant

after two decades in food industry

BERKLEY — Linda Skoczek had spent the past 20 years doing part-time catering work for other businesses, but when the opportunity to finally open her own sandwich restaurant arose, she made sure she did her homework first.

Skoczek felt confident going in that her new business, the Panini Press, would get off the ground successfully, even in the midst of the worst economic climate in decades. After camping out in parking lots of popular lunch establishments such as Potbelly’s in Royal Oak, as well as local Panera and Subway restaurants, her impromptu market research provided some very encouraging results.

“I thought to myself, ‘The stock market is crashing, but 150 to 200 people are walking into these places between 11 (a.m.) and 12:30 (p.m.),’” said Skoczek, 51, a Berkley resident for the past 22 years. “It seemed obvious that people are still going out to eat, especially for lunch.”

On July 6, the Panini Press opened at the southwest corner of 12 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, and so far has seen terrific success. The restaurant’s goal is to provide “a healthier, tastier choice” for people looking to make a quick but satisfying stop for lunch. Using only the freshest, locally produced ingredients — including unconventional items such as caramelized onions, brie and mozzarella cheese, basil and roasted peppers — the Panini Press aims to be a reasonably-priced alternative to the big national sandwich chains.

“I had always wanted to start my own place,” Skoczek said, “and this concept was the one that people liked the best. I was raised on fast food, but my children and their age group tend to look for healthier options.”

In addition to paninis, the restaurant serves coleslaw, soup and chips, as well as various beverages, desserts and kids’ items. And in keeping with the theme of its title, all sandwiches at the Panini Press — such as the Boston Bulletin, the San Francisco Daily and the New York Herald — are named after fictional city newspapers.

Skoczek feels fortunate that with her small staff of five employees, she was able to hire a trusted group of friends, colleagues and family members. Although two of her three children live out of state — 25-year-old son Tim works in Washington, D.C., as a press assistant in the Obama White House, while 27-year-old daughter Christie works in New York City as an advertising sales coordinator for Martha Stewart Living — her youngest daughter, Courtney, works alongside her at the Panini Press.

Courtney, 22, who recently graduated from Columbia College in Chicago and hopes to become an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, was glad to have a summer job waiting for her when she came home from school last month.

“I’m fortunate to have a job in this economy,” she said, “and working with my mom makes it even more special. It’s been amazing to see this — she’s always wanted her own restaurant, ever since we were kids.”

And Skoczek is equally happy to have Courtney there while she gets her feet wet as a new business owner. “I’m so glad she’s here — it’s such a relief,” she said. “I know I wouldn’t be able to do it without her. She’ll be a great asset for this place.”

Skoczek said that business has been solid during the Panini Press’ first month of operation, thanks to its prime location, sizeable parking lot and growing word-of-mouth reputation.

“The first week was incredible because we had a lot of family and friends coming in to try it out,” she said. “Now they’re starting to tell other people about it, and I’m starting to notice the repeat customers.”

Berkley City Councilman Phil O’Dwyer stopped by the restaurant on a recent weekday afternoon and ordered the Kansas City Press, which he said was “absolutely delicious.” He was thoroughly impressed by the entire establishment, from its earthy Tuscan décor to its inviting customer service.

“It is so convenient to have a place in our city where you can pop in, get a wonderful sandwich and be on your way,” O’Dwyer said. “The food there is fresh; the restaurant is clean, bright and airy; and the hospitality is warm, welcoming and uniquely Berkley.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Skoczek already has plans to expand her restaurant beyond her hometown. She hopes to open two more Panini Press locations within the next year and is looking into potential spots in Troy, Rochester and Ann Arbor. After getting her first taste of life as a business owner, it seems that she is hungry for more.

“This is just awesome — it’s something I’ve dreamed about for years,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to be where I am right now. It’s like I tell my kids: Success is doing what you love to do, because then it never feels like work.”

The Panini Press, 28983 Woodward Ave., is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (248) 547-7377 or visit www.thepaninipress.com.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jeremy Selweski at jSelweski@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5004.