Our story

A few months ago, Robert and Jeanne, the former owners of the beloved Watchung Deli, visited Dan & Day’s for burgers — and we reconnected. Growing up, I (Dan) was a regular at the Watchung Deli, stopping by with my dad before Yankees games, after baseball practice, or during lunch breaks at Montclair High. Like so many others, I was heartbroken when it closed.

That day at Dan & Day’s, Dayanna, Robert, Jeanne, and I started talking — and an idea was born. We hosted a pop-up on March 2nd, bringing back some of the Deli’s signature sandwiches. The response was overwhelming: over 350 sandwiches sold and countless locals sharing their memories. It was a full-circle moment for me — from a nine-year-old customer to a thirty-five-year-old helping bring it all back.

Inspired by the incredible turnout, Dayanna and I decided we couldn’t let the story end there. We’re excited to introduce The Skinny Deli — a ghost kitchen serving a curated menu of gourmet sandwiches, including classics like “The Sandwich,” “Ben’s Special,” and “The Angry Dwarf,” along with new creations of our own.

For now, The Skinny Deli will operate virtually out of Dan & Day’s — with online ordering and pickup only — but our long-term dream is to open a physical location.

The name “The Skinny Deli” pays tribute to Watchung Deli’s history — a nod to its cozy spot next to Mr. Dino’s back in the day — and fits our focused, smaller menu perfectly.

We’re putting on the finishing touches and can’t wait to serve you in just a few weeks. Thank you for being part of the story. We can't wait to see you soon!