Mike's West End Deli in Long Branch Closing Its Doors Jan. 1

Mike's West End Deli, a staple of West End, will close its doors on Jan. 1, 2013.

The family-owned deli at 618 Ocean Ave. has been open for 15 years and has been serving arguably the best pork roll egg and cheese in the city, but will close due to "financial reasons," according to owner Mike Ioannides.

"I accept it, but it has been hard especially with our customers," Ioannides said.

Ioannides said many of his employees have been working at the deli since before he took over ownership eight years ago.

He said he does not have an immediate plans to start a new business elsewhere but said it is not out of the question for the future.

The building that currently houses Mike's West End Deli is part of Chabad of Shore's application to build a synagogue in West End.

The Long Branch Zoning Board of Adjustment is slated to hear the application again in January.