The Mackowiaks have owned the building, originally the site of Morgan Linen, for the last three years. The building also includes several apartments.

“I wanted to bring something back to the neighborhood,” Rick said. “Renovating the building was time consuming and expensive, but I wanted something clean and bright that will hopefully remain clean and bright.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Mike Civiletto said, “I’m excited to see a new business in the Fourth Ward. I grew up on Ruggles Street and I remember small businesses like Schrantz’s, Aldrich’s and Marone’s. It’s nice to see a new business contribute to the resurgence of Dunkirk and especially to the Fourth Ward.”

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said the business’ interior is larger than it looks from the outside. After trying some of the samples, Rosas declared that the food was very good.

OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan 4th Ward Deli employees refill samples offered at the business’ grand opening.

“I am happy to see another opening of a business in the city and in the Fourth Ward. … This should be a good location with the spinoff from Athenex,” he pointed out.

The deli offers a variety of cold and hot subs, pizza, chicken wings and extras prepared onsite. There are daily and weekly specials. There are also some grocery items, like deli meats cut to order, homemade pasta salad and macaroni salad, milk, bread, individual ice cream treats in a freezer case and snacks.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“We might increase the hours in the summer,” Rick said.

Rick’s wife Sue added, “Neither Rick nor I knew anything about opening a business like this, but it’s something he wanted to do. He really is an entrepreneur. Currently, the business has 17 employees.”

OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan Employees and owners of the 4th Ward Deli as well as city officials cut the ribbon to mark the official grand opening of the business. Left to Right: Kneeling: Owen Fred and Felix Garcia. 1st Row: Deli manager Shawn Wilson, Dunkirk DPW Director Randy Woodbury (in yellow), Le Anne Fabrizio, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, Owner Rick Mackowiak Jr., Lara Rohan and Fourth Ward Councilman Mike Civiletto. Back Row: Dyress Batten, Michael Mackowiak, Sue Mackowiak, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Vicky Westling, and Dunkirk Personnel Director David Compola.

While Rick and Sue may not have known much to start, they are insistent about the quality of their product.

“We make our own dough, rolls come in daily, the cold cuts are the good stuff, and we stock homemade pasta salad. I have been told our party pizza is the largest around,” Rick said.

They and the employees have been learning since the “soft opening” on Feb. 19. There are now more things in stock, menus have arrived, and the use of credit cards is now possible. There is a Facebook page for the business which currently has 931 likes. Of the 34 people who reviewed the business, 31 gave it five stars. The phone number is 366-2222, which allows customers to call ahead.

Fred Tripp, who worked at SUNY Fredonia in food service, has given the couple some advice from his experience. Tripp was responsible for the Greek chicken hot sub, which was one of the samples offered at the grand opening.

“We’ve gotten a lot of compliments about this and it is increasing in popularity,” Sue added. She also described the soon-to-come “G.S.A. sub” as “Hot roast beef, onions mushroom, and provolone cheese.”

OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan

G.S.A. is a neighborhood joke. This reporter grew up in the Fourth Ward and understands, but even many Dunkirk residents have no idea what this means. Those customers who don’t will just have to ask.

Neighborhood resident Chris Thauer said, “I came here early (when it first opened) and got subs, which were really good. I grew up here and it is nice to have a little shop again.”

Longtime Fourth Ward resident Delphine Woloszyn walked over from her house to check things out.

“This is good for the Fourth Ward,” she proclaimed.

Dunkirk resident Cindy Kozlowski said, “I like this. There is yummy food and friendly people.”