Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, marking a major transition for the Waco staple. After nearly five decades at the helm, longtime owner Nelson Rue has handed the business to new leadership.
The shop first opened on Baylor University’s campus in 1975. Three years later, Rue walked in looking for a job. Instead, he bought the restaurant.
“I’ve owned [Schmaltz’s] from 1978 until four months ago,” Rue said.
In the decades since, Schmaltz’s moved off campus and opened a second location. Earlier this year, Rue decided it was finally time to step back.
“It was not unusual for me to work 80 to 100 hours in a week to run the stores, make the bread and everything,” he said. “It just came time where my body was telling me it’s time to retire.”
Rue began searching for a successor who would protect the Schmaltz’s legacy he built over nearly 50 years.
“I cared that it was going to be somebody that cared,” Rue said. “He was gonna take care of the business.”
In July, he sold Schmaltz’s to longtime bread baker Britt Tully, who has made the shop’s signature bread for the past six years.
“You can buy meat and cheese and vegetables anywhere, but when you come to Schmaltz’s, it’s because of the bread,” Rue said.
Since the sale, Rue is no longer involved in day-to-day operations. He said stepping away has been a relief — though he still misses greeting customers.
“Really what I miss on a daily basis is just saying hi to people,” he said. “That was a huge part of my social life, standing at the counter every day for 47 years and saying hi to customers.”
Rue still visits the shop for lunch and offers advice when asked, but for now, he’s settling into retirement.
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