©2018 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Jill Nagy
When Cannone’s Deli re-opened in mid-May in Wilton, it was a homecoming of sorts for John Cannone and his family.
“It’s amazing. I’m seeing faces I haven’t seen in 20 years,” he said.
Cannone started the deli in 1984 and operated it until 1999, when he sold the business and went on to other pursuits, including operating a restaurant at the Saratoga Harness Track. The restaurant also continued, known for a while as Kelly’s Deli. Nineteen years later the new owners were ready to sell.
The Cannones were “looking for a new venture and this came up,” he said. “We know the business better than anyone.”
Located at the corner of Route 9 and Northern Pines Road, the deli attracts local residents and people working in the neighborhood, as well as people driving past. He estimated that 99 percent of their business is take-out. They are limited to 15 chairs to accommodate people wanting to eat inside, he said.
They also offer catering.
He said his business is a New York-style deli, specializing in sandwiches. They also offer frozen ravioli, “imported from Brooklyn,” and desserts from Carousel Cakes in New Jersey and Rockland County, he said.
They also do a strong breakfast business, beginning at 6 a.m.
Not much has changed over the years, Cannone said, including some of the clientele.
In addition to Cannone and his wife, Theresa, the business employs five people. They are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. Their telephone number is 518-209-9515.