There are delis and then there are delicatessens. The difference can be seen in the steaming Country Meatloaf and the unique Tom Turkey sandwiches at the Chef’s Table in Clermont, Fla.

Homemade and fresh are just two of the profound traits of this family-owned operation that is well known throughout Clermont for its friendly atmosphere and stellar lunch menu. Among the restaurant’s distinctive characteristics is the Geno's “handmade sausage packed in links” available for purchase Sweet Italian, Hot Italian, Geno's Italian and Fresh Kielbasa .

The story behind the sausage is the foundation for this casual delicatessen. Gena Cheplick grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania watching her father's family operate Nardini’s Grocery Store. Gena with her husband Bob and father Geno, opened a Clermont delicatessen in June 1997 bringing some of those famous sausage recipes from her father’s neighborhood market.

“Growing up in the grocery business with my parents, aunts and uncles, I learned the business pretty well,” Gena said.

An important piece to the family puzzle is Dennis. A former chef at the Walt Disney World company for 11 years, he brings a culinary zeal to the delicatessen that is unmatched. Dennis joined the team in 2000 and helped moved the deli to a newer and larger location. After 6 years of growing the business, the chef's table moved to it's third and current location in February 2007. Along with a large seating capacity, the menu had been expanded.

When Gena and her staff isn’t piling the homemade stuffing, cranberry relish and oven-roasted turkey (not the processed deli slices) on her original Tom Turkey sandwich, she is using her culinary knowledge to construct some of the most divine frozen meals. One freezer with prepackaged to-go entrees are chocked full of variety.