Chestnut Deli: Family Atmosphere and Fresh, Homemade Eats

The atmosphere is decidedly Cheers-like – if you've been in Ridgewood's , there's a better-than-not chance you know Billy Woods. And Billy, sometimes jokingly referred to as the mayor of Ridgewood, definitely knows you.

"Ninety percent of the people are repeat customers," says Woods, who bought the long-time deli seven years ago with his wife, Luana. "We get to know everyone on a first-name basis."

Woods isn't kidding. His bold statement is immediately backed up, no hesitation needed.

"It's a friendly, family atmosphere," says Peter, a customer with a London Broil in hand but a newly-created penne vodka panini on the brain. "They treat us like family. You're like a brother, Billy, you know us all by name."

A Johnson & Wales graduate and the former chef at Broiler's in Secaucus, Woods says another appeal to the deli, , is the homemade touch.

"We have a lot of different specialty sandwiches, homemade salads, turkey, roast beef, grilled chicken," he says. "Almost everything in the deli case is homemade, except for a few cold cuts. Fresh is the way to go."

Portions are generous, prices are competitive and there are specialties abound. None is more notable than the "Fabulous Five Dollar Friday Specials," a collection of entrees, sandwiches and other enticing eats for a price that can't be beat.

The deli – which also does catering for corporate events, bridal showers, weddings and birthdays – is also well-known for its decadent Cake Pops, made by Luana. "It's kinda become a business within a business," Billy says. "People , look around and say, 'You know what, I'll try this or I'll try that.'"

The pair won't be accused of coasting with their small-but-mighty deli operation, which features their two young bundles of energy in the mornings and on Saturday. They get up at 4 a.m. and after a few hours of prepping are ready to open by 6.

Add in all the other aspects of running a business – inventory ordering, billing and anything else you can imagine – and the hours can be greueling, though rewarding.

Asked how the pair can keep up with the many demands, Billy says he's fortunate to have many friends from old jobs that can help in a pinch.

Otherwise, Luana laughs, "Keep the head down and fingers crossed!" 

Chestnut Street Deli, located at 25 Chestnut Street, is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can stop by on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.