The End of Neighborhood Institution

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the slicers have gone quiet at one of Bergen County’s most legendary sandwich spots. On December 28, 2025, the Wilkes Family Delicatessen officially closed its doors at its East Glen Avenue location, marking the end of a 65-year run as a neighborhood institution.

Owned and operated by three generations of the Wilkes family, the deli has been the go-to destination for Ridgewood residents since 1961. While the news is bittersweet for fans of their homemade sweets and famous sandwiches, there is a silver lining for the local food scene.

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🥪 A Legacy of “Pocket-Sized Provisions”

The Wilkes family’s deli dynasty actually began in Fair Lawn under the leadership of Frank and Ruth Wilkes. When they expanded to Ridgewood in the early 60s, they created a neighborhood fixture that survived decades of change by sticking to a simple formula: quality food and a tight-knit family atmosphere.

Current owners Jen and Curt Wilkes announced the closure on December 26, citing a well-deserved retirement.

“Thank you to this community for supporting us all these years,” Jen Wilkes shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Curt has clearly made an impact on this community! I am looking forward to enjoying his cooking in his retirement!”

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🥗 The “Secret” Potato Salad: What Happens to the Recipes?

For many regulars, the biggest question involves the deli’s signature dishes—most notably the legendary potato salad.

While the Wilkes family is passing the torch, some things are staying in the vault. Jen Wilkes confirmed that while they have taught many of their classic recipes to the new owner, the potato salad recipe “will always be a family secret.” If you were hoping to snag the ingredients for your next backyard BBQ, you’re out of luck!

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🆕 What’s Next? Introducing Gino’s Deli

The storefront at East Glen Avenue won’t stay dark for long. The space is set to reopen in the coming months as Gino’s Deli.

To ensure a smooth transition and maintain that neighborhood feel:

• Familiar Faces: Longtime staff member Maria will stay on for a few months to help Gino settle in before she heads to a well-earned retirement in Costa Rica.

• Heritage Flavors: Gino has been trained on several Wilkes family favorites (minus the top-secret potato salad), so the menu will retain some of the classic spirit residents love.

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❤️ A Bittersweet Goodbye to a Local Staple

The outpouring of love on social media has been immense, with hundreds of residents sharing memories of after-school sandwiches and holiday catering orders. The closure of Wilkes follows a trend of long-standing Bergen County mom-and-pop shops reaching retirement age, leaving many to wonder which “old school” favorites will be next.

The Wilkes Family Message to Ridgewood:

“Thank you to all who have worked in our store! We have been very fortunate to have worked with all of you… Gino will be a great addition to the neighborhood!”

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Wilkes Deli: At A Glance

Detail	Information
Established	1961 in Ridgewood (Original 1960s in Fair Lawn)
Final Day of Service	December 28, 2025
Reason for Closing	Retirement of Curt and Jen Wilkes
Future Tenant	Gino’s Deli (Opening 2026)

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