Old-fashioned German-deli style food is hard to come by, but Mineola has housed the famous Werner’s Deli since 1963, which serves the community high-quality sandwiches and pastas.
Yong Kim purchased Werner’s Deli in 2001 and has had a whirlwind of an ownership, struggling the first few months, to revitalizing it into the Mineola gem it once was.
“We struggled for about six months to a year,” said Kim, “but we got the hang of things and really turned it around.”
Behind the store’s counter, above the assorted deli meats are signs listing special sandwiches the deli has to offer. On a simple day, you can order a ham and cheese sandwich on rye, but if your adventurous spirit takes over, you can venture into some of the deli favorites. The Polka Sandwich is a popular item, stirring up taste buds with its grilled real polish kielbasa, cooked onions and sauerkraut. If that doesn’t cure your hunger, you can munch on the New Yorker, which features hot pastrami and mustard on rye, topped with Swiss cheese.
“I’m always thinking of new changes to the sandwiches and other things,” said Kim.
Kim and his wife purchased the store 14 years ago, but its original owner, Werner Gerland, still comes in a few days a week to help out. Gerland owned the store from 1963-92 and his German heritage and charm are still present today.
Serving Mineola since 1963, Werner’s has many regular customers who frequent the store everyday. Kim has grown to know the community very well, because he’s constantly serving them.
“I know everyone that comes in,” said Kim. “We have our regulars, and they are good to us—coming in a lot.”
Kim is busiest during the morning and lunch hours, especially during the school year. Students on their lunch break visit the deli everyday, skipping the boring cafeteria food to feast on a Werner’s sandwich.
Kim has a background in the deli business. Before purchasing Werner’s, he worked in delis, learning the foundation to running a successful store. His prior experience has helped him sustain Werner’s and continue the German-deli tradition.
Werner’s Deli is open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is located at 258 Jericho Tpke., in Mineola.
