“We stay pretty busy most of the time, and that’s good!” said Ron McLeroy, the owner/operator of the Candyman Deli. Part entrepreneur, part caterer, part therapist, he listens intently when you talk to him.
McLeroy can also divine what you really want for lunch most days. While he would call it providing good customer service, it is really an example of how much he cares about the STCL Houston community. “I really, really enjoy this place, and my customers.” said McLeroy. “There are so many different people here, from so many places. And they are here for the same reason,” he said. “I love that aspect of STCL Houston.”
McLeroy first got into the business of owning and operating delis like Candyman to protect his other business: vending machines. “I had 3,500 or so of them around the area,” said McLeroy. One location happened to be the breakroom in a manufacturing plant that was staffing up and putting in an employee cafeteria. “I didn’t want someone else to come in and take all my vending machine revenue away, so I put in a bid and won it.”
Owning one deli led to owning another. “I had a moment when I had just opened my second deli. I knew then I could figure out how to make the business successful,” said McLeroy. Over time, he owned 20 eateries and employed 65 people. “It was a very busy time,” he said. He began to sell off the delis, along with the 80 rental properties he owned. “I basically retired. I really did not need to work at that point. But I started getting bored after a while.”
McLeroy heard about the opportunity at South Texas Law from a law school employee and pursued it, opening Candyman in 2018. He committed to staying open during COVID times, despite the lack of business. It earned him a plaque of recognition from his loyal, student customers. It reads: “Not all superheroes wear capes…” and hangs near the doorway to the kitchen at Candyman.
An avid Astros fan, McLeroy smiles often, and projects a patient, calm demeanor. “I try to create a safe and familiar environment here. People can be so stressed!” he said. When he is not at the cash register or cleaning tables, he spends a lot of time shopping at Costco, Sam’s, and Restaurant Depot. He stays busy all the time.
He is quick to share the credit for Candyman’s success with his valued, long-time employees. Rita Rodriquez has worked for him for 20 years, and Alberto Arellano, the chef, has worked for him for 12 years. In August, Madi Oregon will have been part of his team for 5 years. “I could not do this without them,” he said.
Recently, the dining area and student lounges near Candyman were renovated and redecorated by the school. “I feel fortunate to be a part of this awesome space,” McLeroy said. He looks forward to being a part of South Texas for many years to come.
