Growing up on a produce and herb farm, food was always a big part of David Renaker-Jansen’s life.
His parents – Richard Jansen and Stephanie Renaker-Jansen – still own and operate Reminiscent Herb Farm in Florence. As a kid, Renaker-Jansen would have to wake up early to pick vegetables and herbs on the farm.
Now 42 years old, Renaker-Jansen has forayed into his food-based venture — Red Bird Deli. Opened in December, Red Bird Deli is the culmination of his lifelong journey in the food industry. The memories of working on the herb farm have stuck with him to this day.
“I mean everything from cutting down the old apple orchard and learning how to smoke meat and just being able to go pick my own fresh herbs outside, cooking with my mom and all kinds of people,” he said. “It was a lot of fun and it definitely inspired me to become a restaurant owner.”
The name Red Bird Deli pays homage to Renaker-Jansen’s grandfathers, who both graduated from the University of Louisville. The deli’s logo features a cardinal sporting a mohawk, something Renaker-Jansen attributes to an aesthetic popularized by Trojan Records – an influential ska and reggae record label.
Renaker-Jansen became proficient at cooking through the catering business. Where he traveled across the country making lunch for workers on sites. He credits personal chef and restauranteur Bruce French with aiding in developing his cooking skills. French has worked as a personal chef for large touring bands like The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam and U2. Renaker-Jansen said he was personally inspired by French.
Besides his childhood experiences at the herb farm, music also played an outsized role in Renaker-Jansen’s upbringing.
“I like all music, but I grew up playing in punk bands and hardcore bands,” he said.
Red Bird Deli is preparing to host small concerts in its space. Renaker-Jansen will also host open mic nights for stand-up comedians and other types of artists. He plans on posting the shows on a YouTube channel called “Live From the Deli.”
“I have friends that are professional musicians and we’re getting ready to have some small concerts here,” Renaker-Jansen said. “We’re doing an open mic near. The open mics are going to start in two weeks.”
Before Red Bird Deli, the building – located at 329 W. Pike St. – was home to Angilo’s Pizza, which closed in 2022 after 60 years in business. The building’s owner, Christine Wesdorp, told LINK nky that she was excited for another restaurant to open in the space.
“I always have a little spot in my heart to support people that want to try something new,” Wesdorp said. “I love the idea of having a deli in Covington.”
So far, the deli’s most popular menu items have been burgers and chicken sandwiches, Renaker-Jansen said. Besides sandwiches, the deli also sells wings, chicken drumsticks – which he cooks in a smoker behind the deli – and a variety of salads.
