Does the universe send emails?
Deanna Berry, founder of DeeLicious Park City, was a SoCal mom with an MBA in accounting, completing a Ph.D. application. “Suddenly an email popped up with the subject: ‘Go to Culinary School.’ I thought, THAT’S what I really want to do!” Within days, she was standing in the kitchen at San Diego’s Culinary Arts Institute. “Surreal!” Training alongside James Beard-nominated chefs, Deanna graduated with honors.
The move to PC came in 2015 as family members -parents, brother, oldest son - moved to Utah one by one. “My youngest, Michael, finally said, 'Mom, let’s just go!’”
DeeLicious Café launched in 2022, becoming an immediate Park City fixture with its relaxed vibe and outstanding food.
“People don’t just come in for a sandwich. They want to catch up with Michael, ask about family, support one of their own,” she observes. “I may see a person I cook for out shopping the next day or at my stepdaughter’s Brooklyn’s softball game. People appreciate our high standards – Parkites can taste the difference when they know the person behind the plate.”
The “contagious vacation energy” of visitors also matches the DeeLicious vibe. “They want to meet the chef, hear stories, learn about ingredients. We have great conversations.”
Deanna’s love for her art extends to hosting classes with longtime collaborator Jessica McCleary of Mountain Town Olive Oil, “demystifying” food and cooking. “I love to show people they can do it. That ‘aha’ moment is like opening a new door.”
With Michael as her business manager and since married to husband Hank, Deanna enjoys family and cheering on Brooklyn, saying contentedly, “We’re here to stay.” And expand. Deanna opened a mini DeeLicious over the winter inside Jackson’s Hideaway.
Our Mountainkind spirit adds savor to Deanna’s daily menu. “In Park City, a catering contract isn’t just a transaction; it is a neighbor trusting me with their daughter’s wedding,” she smiles. “It truly feels like family.”