A Stratford business that opened its doors at the start of the pandemic thanked its customers on Saturday for helping them stay open after a difficult year.

"El Sol Deli" in Stratford was honored for serving the community by Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Javier Rangel, the owner, told News 12 that he is a proud American citizen who came here from Mexico and is serving up his family’s recipes to his loyal customers.

“Thank you for people who've been supporting us. We feel blessed and just want them to know that our heart is with them," he said.