Fifteen months after the closing of Oscar’s Deli, a staple of Main Street for over 40 years, Rye Ridge Deli has opened to fill its void. Owners Mike Venturino and Scott Martin opened Rye Ridge’s third location, with two others in Rye Brook and Stamford.
“Mike and I have been talking about doing something like this for a while. We were looking at a different place in Chappaqua and it just didn’t work out and unfortunately Lee Papageorge passed away and this came up. We weren't actively looking for a location, but the timing was right. I know the history, and it was a really good opportunity," Martin said.
The deli's menu is endless, ensureing that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not only does the deli feature the classic sandwiches and salads, but it also includes fan-favorite dishes from Oscar's.
Venturino and Martin's favorite dishes include a classic pastrami or a simple turkey sandwich.
In addition to the made-to-order dishes, Rye Ridge Deli sells a variety of pre-packaged snacks and candies.
Venturino and Martin know how much of an impact Oscar's made on the Westport community. “I hope to fill the void that Oscar’s left. Everybody has said that Wesport needed a place like this or we’ve been waiting for you. Everytime I hear it, it just fills my heart with joy," Venturino said.
Paying homage to Oscar’s original owner, Lee Papageorge, who passed away in August of 2016, Venturino and Martin promedelty display the mural that for years hung from the walls of Oscar’s and has become quite familiar to most long-time Westport residents.
“For all these years there was a deli here on Main Street, and it was always successful which is good for us, and we just hope to continue that," Martin said.
Westporters seem to be pleased with the new addition to downtown. “So far, it’s been very positive; everyone seems very happy. A lot of people used to go to Oscar’s and sit outside, and they seem to be coming back, happy that they have a place to go to," Martin said.
Westport residents in search for a quick snack during the day, or a place to have a family dinner, should search no more and head downtown to eat at the Rye Ridge Deli.