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One of the Deli’s founders, Robert Lancia, a Ramapo police officer since 1993 and a Suffern native, credits it all to their food’s home-made style.
“We make everything that we have and everything we make… it’s made fresh,” he said.
Gateway Gourmet, named after the “Gateway” Plaza in which it’s located, was founded by Lancia two months ago with the help of his wife Lisa and his childhood friend Michael Portaro.
Robert and Michael both grew up in Suffern’s Squire’s Gate neighborhood and have known each other since they were each 9 years old.
Their lifelong friendship has smoothly translated into a rich business relationship, notable for not only their similarities but their differences, especially when it comes to taste.
“Michael loves food, so everything he wants is rich, good, Italian and we have a lot of that,” Robert explained, “but I am a little bit of a health nut.”
In the end, it’s the customers who win out big time.
Michael and Robert’s diverse tastes come together in Gateway’s rich menu full of everything from “The State Line,” a health conscious sandwich with lean chicken, roasted peppers, and fresh mozzarella, to decadent options such as their bona fide Italian lasagna.
Gateway Gourmet has been starting out slow, only really advertising to Suffern and Mahwah locals thus far. This is part of the deli’s effort to gradually build up their capacity for business volume while consistently ensuring their food is top quality.
“We’re seeing repeat customers all the time so we know we are putting out a good product and we are building those relationships within our community. That’s the greatest reward.”
In fact, their food is so loved that, even though they don’t have a catering menu they have been catering parties and events for locals, “since day one.”
Gateway Gourmet is located at the Gateway Plaza, 9 Franklin Turnpike, in Mahwah.Click here to follow Daily Voice Clarkstown and receive free news updates.
