Requiem For The Williamsburg Deli

As much time as was spent at The Williamsburg Shopping Center; before the Deli opened it was mostly High's (later 7-Eleven) and maybe an errand to the bank.

The first deli to open was Deli and Donuts. A deadly combination for someone starting high school. Yes, I gained weight. In my defense, it was really good food. It led to joining martial arts a few months later.

That remains my largest untapped era for articles. Lest you thought I have written about everything that ever happened in my life and everyone ever met. Little by little. They changed hands.

Later in school they stopped serving donuts. There were still large hamburgers and very good cheesesteaks. Occasionally I enjoyed their fried chicken. Not enough.

After the divorce I needed stability. Eating occasionally after school when they were open later- by the time I took a job in that shopping center they were a breakfast and lunch operation.

They were closed on Sundays as well. As a small business run by a couple they needed to take a day off. Rarely were there other employees. While I made five dollars per hour this was the comfort food. Every Tuesday I would buy a cheesesteak and fries.

I refilled my soda at the nearby 7-Eleven to save money. You have to economize in times like that. Lucky for me there was no one to date- I could not have afforded it.

When that job ran its course I visited the Deli less often. They sold to different people who maintained the standard and it was nice having the consistency. I used word of mouth and suggested many visit this establishment.

It was something missed when I moved away. There was no Arizona equivalent. There were other places and even respectable fast food options. The Deli's burgers are close in size to Whataburger. It is different and I won't say which is better.

Returning to the area my visits were sporadic. Things change- I was in different areas and when I was in that shopping center they were closed for the day. So it goes. If they sold out- at least they wouldn't have to waste any food.

They survived the pandemic. I checked to see if they were open. They had to remove the couple tables that were there. I saw teachers from my old school there occasionally. That was nice.

Recently the sign went up that a Thai restaurant was opening there. I never had a "Last meal" there. This is where I learned ketchup is better in the bottle than in packets. They offered it, giving a new meaning to "Fancy ketchup".

In recent years I did not patronize this small business enough. I would replenish their soda section while waiting for my order. Someone had to and it was a question of moving what was extra to the higher section. It was a link to working in places like that. The comic stores moved out of the shopping center years before.

Certain restaurants stick with you and will always be fondly recalled. I can find another mom and pop store although this one set a high bar.