Northeast Philadelphia Deli to Close

Jack’s Deli, a local staple, will close its doors on June 4th, says its owners. For generations Jacks, which was known for its smoked fish, corned beef, waffles, and ice cream, catered to diners in Northeast Philadelphia. Now, say brothers Alan and Eddie Mutchnick, it is time to move on. The brothers’ father, Jack Mutchnick, opened the deli in 1953 in Mount Airy. It moved to its current location at Bustleton Avenue and Tustin Street in the 60s.

Alan and Eddie Mutchnick are closing Jack’s Deli after more than 60 years in business. (DAVID MAIALETTI / INQUIRER)

According to Philly.com, “Eddie Mutchnick, 75, who started in the business at age 12 bagging potatoes, will move Jack’s off-premises catering business into the Buck Hotel in Feasterville. It will offer delivery only.” As for Alan, aged 68, working in the family business for 50 years is enough, and he will be content to spend more time with his wife and other loved ones. Between them Alan and Eddie have five children, but none were interested in carrying on Jack’s Deli.

In the 60s and 70s, Jewish delis were scattered all over Northeast Philly. Most eventually shuttered as tastes and demographics changed, but Jack’s Deli, which was always one of the busiest, lived on. A little history lesson from the Inquirer: “Jack’s and other delis thrived early on by selling groceries because supermarkets weren’t allowed to be open on Sundays. As the blue laws were relaxed, the delis converted floor space to restaurant seating. Jack’s added a second dining room in 1981. In its heyday, Jack’s had long lines late into the night, especially on weekends after the movies. Its soda fountain was as busy as the sandwich board. Mornings brought throngs of customers to buy fish and deli meats.”

Jack’s once ran with a staff of 80. Now it is down to 30. The deli is no longer open for dinner. The Mutchnicks tried to buy the building they occupy, but were unable to, and then there were issues with the details of the lease. The Jewish deli is falling prey to rising food costs, say experts, and nowadays the more successful ones are located in affluent neighborhoods.