Business Profile: Yorktown Deli, Yorktown
In the past, when Yorktown resident Gino Zorlu wanted Mediterranean food specialties, he had to travel out of the area.
But those treks to the Big Apple are no longer necessary for Zorlu and other northern Westchester residents who crave Mediterranean eats.
Four weeks ago Zorlu opened the Yorktown Deli on Saw Mill River Road, along with his partner, Taner Gurbetci, who resides in Croton.
“One of the main reasons why we chose Yorktown (was) I’ve been in this town for almost 18 years now and I always traveled down to the Bronx or down to New Jersey to be able to get some delicious Mediterranean food,” Zorlu said last week. “So all that flavor, all that great taste, we brought it right into Yorktown.”
While the Yorktown Deli offers American and Italian hot foods and sandwiches, it specializes in Mediterranean food prepared by the owners.
According to Zorlu, one of specialties of the new deli is their gyros, which feature a combination of lamb and beef. “We have the best gyros in northern Westchester,” he said. “That’s how my customers rate it.” Gyro omelet sandwiches are also available for breakfast, he noted.
The eatery also offers a wide variety of Mediterranean salads, falafel, spinach pie, beef patties, and rice bowls. “Everything’s healthy,” Zorlu said. “Everything that we use is natural. We don’t use any frozen products or any artificial flavors.”
Small samples of the deli’s offerings are provided at no charge because customers may not be familiar with Mediterranean food, Zorlu said.
The deli provides 10 percent discounts for senior citizens, fire and police department, town and school district employees, and students
The deli is open every day. “We love it. It’s our passion to cook,” Zorlu said. “When I see somebody’s face when they enjoy the food, that gives me pleasure. That’s the most important thing.”
Zorlu knows about Mediterranean food from personal experience. He is a native of Turkey who moved to the United States 18 years ago. All items cooked at the Yorktown Deli are based on recipes from Zorlu’s mother, Makbule, and Gurbetci’s mom, Azime.
“We actually had to ask them to use their recipes,” Zorulu quipped. “They were fine with it.”
The Yorktown Deli is located at 2043 Saw Mill River Rd. For more information, call 914-245-1800 or send a fax to 914-245-3800. It is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 am. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
