When Rob Bonaccorsi was 10, his mom would send him to the Alpine Food Shop for salami and other essentials instead of the busier Dominick’s nearby. This small store became a family staple for the Bonaccorsi household, which had 12 kids. With so many mouths to feed, trips to the shop were common, though Rob never imagined he would one day own it.
In 2000, Rob, along with his brothers John and Rich and their wives, bought the store from the Barbi family, who opened it in 1955. With some restaurant experience, Rob took on the role of the face of the business, while his wife Amy and sister-in-law Kathy joined in to run it.
They maintained the shop’s original charm and menu, keeping true to what Anna and Louie Barbi had established. However, they did introduce a new addition: a veggie sandwich made with roasted portabella mushrooms. This was a hit, especially for vegetarian customers.
Every day is busy, with the shop receiving up to three deliveries of fresh bread from Turano Bakery. Their sandwich lineup includes an impressive variety of meats like salami, capicollo, and turkey. The Alpine, a favorite combo of ham, salami, and capicollo, stands out among the choices.
Alongside the sandwiches, the deli offers homemade pasta and potato salads, along with a range of pantry items, frozen sauces, and snacks. It’s a one-stop shop for quick meals and hearty favorites.
The staff is primarily made up of high school and college students, many of whom come from nearby schools. This community involvement creates a lively atmosphere, with familiar faces providing friendly service. Rob emphasizes the importance of personal connection, especially in today’s digital age where face-to-face interactions are rare.
As customers walk in, they often pause to savor the familiar scents wafting through the air—nostalgia wrapped in the delicious aromas. Many longtime patrons recount memories of the shop, sharing how it has remained a comforting part of their lives. “They say, ‘I just want to take in the air, the atmosphere,’ before they order,” Rob mentions.
For over 70 years, Alpine Food Shop has been more than just a deli in Elmwood Park—it’s a community hub where good food and happy memories meet.
Want to check it out? You can find more information on the [Alpine Food Shop website](http://alpinefoodshop.com). Located at 7538 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park, the shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Source link
70 years,alpine,Alpine Food Shop,Bonaccorsi,deli meat,Eats,elmwood park,Elmwood Park Eats,Italian,Rob Bonaccorsi,sandwich,Turano Bakery
