Toni and Michael Cummaro hope to open the new Pound Ridge Deli in March.
Photo credit: Bob Dumas

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – Pound Ridge deli lovers, don’t despair!

Although Panella’s Deli at 78 Westchester Ave., in the Scott’s Corners business district closed last month, it wasn't long before new owners stepped forward to announce their intent to create a new deli at the location.

Toni and Michael Cummaro  of Stamford, Conn., attended last week’s Town Board meeting, along with property owner Dail Metzger, to apply for the special permit they’ll need to open the business. They hope to reopen the deli's doors next month.

The Cummaros need to complete some legal regulations first. The first step is to get the Town Board refer the permit application to the local planning board.

“We will send it to the planning board with a strong recommendation of approval,” Supervisor Gary Warshauer to the Cummaros . “We welcome you to town and hope you are successful.”

Warshauer said that if the planning board approves the permit at its February meeting, the town board can hold a public hearing at its March 8 meeting. If the public hearing goes off without a hitch, the board can give the plan its final approval and the Cummaros would be free to open the deli the next day if they wanted to.

Toni Cummaro said she had already been to the county health department to clear any issues regarding the septic system and the county has signed off. Additionally, she noted that she has no plans to make any major structural changes in the building, other than some interior redesigns and painting. She said she wasn’t sure if she’d be seeking a permit to have seating indoors.

“We are thinking about that, but are taking it step by step,” she said.

Toni Cummaro, who will manage the business, which she’s renamed The Pound Ridge Deli, said she grew up in the restaurant business. Her mother owned several diners.

“My brother and I would get up at 4 a.m. to go with her,” she said.

Cummaro said she was enthusiastic about being part of the Pound Ridge community.

“We are excited about a town like Pound Ridge,” she said. “It’s quaint and we like the small-town vibe. My goal is to serve some really good food and do it with a smile. We’ll open early , 6:30 a.m. for breakfast, and we’re hoping people will stop in to get their morning coffee."