Big Mike’s Italian Deli Now Open in Former Cafe on the DL in Marlton

There’s a new hidden deli tucked inside a familiar office building at 5 Greentree Center in Marlton (behind Plaza Azteca), but the man behind the counter is certainly no newcomer to the food business.

Big Mike’s Italian Deli is now open in the former Cafe on the DL/Greentree on the DL space, bringing made-to-order hoagies, freshly sliced deli meats and cheeses, salads, and coffee to the small takeout location.

Owner Mike “Gore” Gregorio, 66, of Maple Shade, has a history in the restaurant industry with a background spanning more than three decades.

Years ago, Gregorio owned a Philadelphia bar and tavern called Big Mike’s in Fishtown, located in a historic building that once housed the Green Tree Tavern, also known as the Marlborough Inn.

He eventually sold the business and moved to Ventnor, where he owned and operated another Big Mike’s — a deli at the Jersey Shore. That chapter ended abruptly when Superstorm Sandy devastated the business.

In the years since, Gregorio has worked as a restaurant consultant and part-time bartender. But as anyone who has spent enough time in the restaurant industry knows, it can be difficult to stay away for good.

So, why start over with a little deli tucked inside a Marlton office building?

For Gregorio, there’s a bigger reason behind it: he wants to build something he can leave to his family.

And family is already part of the operation.

His daughter-in-law, Cori Bayers, is currently his only employee, handling the register while also overseeing Cori’s Coffee Corner, the coffee component of the new deli.

A Familiar Hidden-Gem Location

South Jersey foodies may already be familiar with this tucked-away location. It was a real IYKYK kind of place, when it was Cafe on the DL, with many first timers feeling like they went on a wild goose hunt to find the place. Keep scrolling for a tip on how to find it if you’ve still not been.

Cafe on the DL, which built a loyal following under Chef Dan DiGiuseppe before he moved the concept to a sit-down restaurant on the Black Horse Pike in in Laurel Springs.

The Marlton space later became Greentree on the DL, a quicker grab-and-go operation. DiGiuseppe closed that location earlier this year, citing staffing challenges and his desire to concentrate on the Laurel Springs restaurant.

Now, Gregorio is giving the spot a new life.

Big Mike’s officially opened this week, and for now, the concept is intentionally simple: mostly sandwiches.

Philly Style Hoagies Sliced and Made to Order

Walk into Big Mike’s, and you won’t find piles of pre-sliced meat waiting to be assembled into sandwiches.

Gregorio keeps whole logs of deli meats and cheeses on hand, with two commercial slicers ready behind the counter. Order a hoagie, and the meat is sliced right in front of you before he makes the sandwich.

For now, Big Mike’s is using seeded Liscio’s rolls for its 6-inch “Nicky” rolls and 12-inch long rolls for hoagies.

Naturally, the menu includes plenty of Italian meat combinations, and customers will also find familiar deli favorites including ham, turkey, roast beef, tuna salad, chicken salad, and a mixed cheese hoagie.

A few salads round out the opening menu. Depending on customer demand, Gregorio may eventually add sliced bread and wraps.

For now, the menu is entirely cold, with no cooked items served. However, Gregorio plans to gradually introduce hot deli favorites such as soups, meatballs, Parmesan sandwiches, and more when he can install a convection oven and hot kettles.

Big Mike’s is a deli in the traditional sense, too.

If you don’t need a sandwich but want a pound of meat or cheese to take home, Gregorio will slice it fresh and package it to go.

Mike also carrying Fishtown Pickle Project pickles.

Cori’s Coffee Corner

Meanwhile, Bayers is bringing a little coffee shop element to the operation with Cori’s Coffee Corner.

The deli currently serves drip coffee and cold brew from Philadelphia-based Bean2Bean Coffee Roasters, along with a selection of flavored options.

The coffee program could grow as the deli does. The deli may eventually add an espresso machine, opening the door to lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks.

For now, though, Big Mike’s is starting small — fresh hoagies, deli meats and cheeses, salads, coffee, and a father-in-law/daughter-in-law team getting a new family business off the ground.

After more than 30 years of restaurant experience, a Jersey Shore deli lost to Superstorm Sandy, and years spent helping other restaurant operators, Big Mike is back behind the counter with his own name on the business once again.

And this time, he hopes he’s building something the next generation can carry on.

Follow Big Mike’s Italian Deli on Facebook and Instagram for menu additions, hours, and other updates.

We wish Mike and Cori plenty of success with their new Marlton venture.

Big Mike’s Italian Deli
5 Greentree Center (off Route 73)
Marlton, NJ

Hours: Monday through Friday
8:30-2:30

Stay tuned for a video on how to find the spot.

GREAT NEWS!

Big Mike’s Italian Deli has joined the Frequent Diner program. Show them your card and you’ll get a complimentary bag of chips and can of soda with your purchase!