Historic Long Island Deli Celebrates Grand Reopening

ISLIP, NY — A Long Island deli has reopened under new ownership and a revamped menu.

The historic Kleiber’s Country Store in Islip has officially been renamed Maple Street Deli, marking a new era for the iconic landmark located at 199 Maple St.

The community came together to support the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In attendance were new owner John Boccone and deli staff, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Councilman Mike McElwee, Kara Welling from Councilman John Lorenzo’s office, Islip Town Clerk Linda Vavricka and Liz Mayott, Islip Chamber of Commerce president.

The new features a salad bar with numerous options and daily lunch specials, including hero specials, hot lunches, lox specials, spinach pie, beet salad, Italian stromboli, fries, potato salad, soups, coffee and so much more.

Maple Street Deli's roots reach generations back in Islip. In 1912, John and Pauline Nill opened Nill's Bakery on Main Street in Islip after immigrating from Germany. For 58 years, the Nill family owned and operated the deli.

According to the deli's website, the bakery was a hit with locals who were drawn to its "fantastic" candy counter and an arcade machine that would send a shock through your arms as you played it for a penny.

After 1979, the deli became known as Grace and Jim’s until Bob Kleiber purchased the store in 1982 and transformed it into a "solid" deli and sandwich shop.

For years, the deli flourished and in March of 2023, Kleiber sold the business and the property to Boccone, who oversaw improvements while keeping the spirit of the deli alive.

Maple Street Deli is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.