Black-owned Stockton restaurant serves up flavor, entrepreneurial spirit

In Stockton, several Black-owned businesses have been operating for decades, but there is one restaurant local leaders say helps perfectly capture the entrepreneurial spirit: Delroy’s Deli.  Nestled in the historic port of Stockton, behind rustic blue and white walls is a community staple.  Delroy’s Deli serves up classic and familiar American favorites and barbecue with a spicy kick.  The oldest historically Black church on the West Coast was founded during the Gold Rush “Most people, they come for the Jamaican jerk chicken because that’s something they don’t get ordinarily,” says owner Delroy Sibblis, adding that the jerk chick is a point of pride for him. After spending decades in the restaurant industry working for others, Sibblis came to Stockton in 2002, looking to add his own Jamaican flair to the area’s culinary scene.  “It’s my own marinade, you know, it’s good,” Sibblis says with pride.  But the journey to the business in Stockton and his loyal customers took a leap of faith.  “My experience in the restaurant business has a lot to do with numerous restaurants and hotels. When I moved to Stockton after working as a chef, I decided to get my own, try my own business,” says Sibblis. ...