101 Deli to Close Sunday

A longtime Rockaway staple is closing. Long known for some of the “best sandwiches” around for many years, 101 Deli will officially close its doors on Sunday.

Several employees at the deli located at 100-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. have confirmed the rumors that they’ll be closing. The last day is Sunday, October 12, but they recommend grabbing your last seeded heroes by Saturday.

101 Deli has been a staple in Rockaway since the early 1970s. Previously a pizzeria, Richard Allen purchased the space, running it as a deli for 23 years. The deli became a quick go-to for those beach sandwiches for locals and visitors alike. In 1995, Jerry Bonadonna took it over. For nearly 50 years, 101 Deli has served generously stuffed heroes on seeded bread, baked fresh on site, fresh side salads and pickles from a barrel.

The reason behind the closure is not clear. In recent years, the one-story building, built in 1930, has been listed for sale on and off. Although rumors have been swirling that the building sold, there is no confirmation of a sale of the property according to recent city records.

What will come of it is also unknown. Throughout the week, workers had heard everything from the building being leveled to make way for condos and a street-level supermarket, to it only closing temporarily to make way for a restaurant. 101 Deli joins several businesses within a four-block span on Rockaway Beach Blvd. that have closed in recent years.