Customers said last week that Sasso’s Delicatessen at 11th and Garden streets is part of a dying breed.
“Everybody who walks through that door, they take care of, they help. Even if the person can’t pay, they take your name, how much you owe, and you pay them another time. People like them don’t exist anymore,” said Hoboken resident Vinnie Rossi, who has been coming to Sasso’s for the past 25 years.
The beloved corner deli is not closing – it’s just changing owners. But customers say they will miss the couple that has run it since the 1960s.
The store is owned and operated by Sergio “Sam” Scardigno and Rose Sasso. Known for its home-cooked meals and counter conversations, Sasso’s has, according to several of its customers, been one of the last remnants of a time and place fast disappearing, providing a hospitable environment for both old and new residents.
Hoboken resident Barbara Hart-Madrid, who has only been coming to Sasso’s for the past year, shared Rossi’s grief last week.
“They’ve provided me with my only sense of community in this town,” said Madrid. “They are genuinely nice, wonderful people who love Hoboken and all the people who live here. I will miss them dearly.”
Rose Sasso responded humbly to the comments.
“It’s all about the young people who come in here,” she said. “They’re beautiful people. They’re the ones that really make the store what it is. We call them our children. They’re like family to us.”
A family tradition
According to Rose, her father Damiano, who was a dockworker, was first to own and run the store with her mother Biagia years ago.
Prior to the store becoming Sasso’s, it was a food market since at least the 1920s.
The couple is in the process of selling the storefront property to Frank Guido, who co-owns Bagels on the Hudson at 802 Washington St., and Michael Cipolla, a New York City police officer. The duo plans to renovate the space, but will maintain the current theme of the establishment as well as its name and menu.
The pair have already learned several of Sergio’s recipes, according to Guido.
Under the new ownership, the store will have extended hours of operation, opening at 6 a.m. in order to cater to morning commuters, selling bagels from “Bagels on the Hudson.”
Also, the store will be open on Sundays and provide home-delivery to customers as well as a catering service for parties and events.
The sale is expected to take place early next year.
The ‘extended family’
For many in the community who have become accustomed to stopping by Sasso’s on their way home from work, the news of the change in ownership struck an emotional cord.
“They are the best people. Everyone is going to miss them,” said Rita Scalzo, who has been a customer for 30 years.
Another resident whose family was deeply touched by their departure was Phil Cohen.
“My 7-year-old [daughter] cried the day she heard they were selling the store,” said Cohen. “Sam and Rose are a special part of our community that won’t easily be replaced.”
Cohen’s sentiment was shared by resident Rob Broadbent.
“I come here three times a week, great food, and even greater people,” said Broadbent, who added that Rose often gives him roast beef and other cold cuts for his beagle, Mick. In fact, during the brief interview, Mick was waiting outside, barking in anticipation.
Now Scott has to cook!
Recent 5th Ward candidate and local philanthropist Scott Delea also happened to stop by Sasso’s Monday evening. “This is my kitchen,” said Delea, who added that he buys dinner from Sasso’s most nights during the week. “I hate to see them go. They’re great people and [because they’re leaving] I’m going to start cooking my own meals.”
One resident, Basil “Buzz” Nahas, who Rose described as her adopted son, appeared to be especially affected by the news of their departure.
“It’s bitter-sweet,” he said. “Although I’m extremely happy for them, we’ve had such a wonderful friendship, I’m really going to miss them and their great food.”
When asked how it feels to be retiring, Sergio responded, “I can’t wait. I’ve had enough of that kitchen.”
In contrast, when asked the same question, Rose said, “It’s frightening to me because I don’t know any other way of life. It’s going to be very difficult. Just thinking about leaving here makes me want to cry.”
Now that they are retiring, the pair plan simply to relax. Rose joked that Sergio would continue to spend his time cooking in the mornings and sending the food to former customers.
Michael Mullins can be reached at mmullins@hudsonreporter.com.