Business Owners Bring Mediterranean Food to Yorktown Deli

The reason why Gino Zorluoglu, of Yorktown, and Taner Gurbetci, of Croton-on-Hudson, decided to open up their own deli was because there were no Mediterranean food options in the area. If they wanted to have it, they would have to cook the food themselves or travel to the Bronx or New Jersey. 

The two men—both Turkey natives—opened up Yorktown Deli, located on Saw Mill River Road in Yorktown, in November, and are celebrating the grand opening of their business on Saturday, Feb. 1. 

"Cooking is my passion," Zorluoglu said. "Everything we use is fresh. We don't use any frozen items. If you're looking for a homestyle cooked meal, this is the place."

Zorluoglu mostly handles the financial side of the business. Gurbetci—who used to be an employee at the previous deli at the same location, which was also known as Yorktown Deli and was owned by his uncle—handles the cooking aspect of the business. 

"I used to work here and now I am the boss," Gurbetci said with a laugh. "It's good. I think we're doing good."

Although they've been open for just a few weeks, Zorluoglu said the response from customers has been great and people keep returning to the deli. One of their specialties is the gyro, which features a combination of lamb and beef. The meat is prepared on site and slowly cooked on the gyro rotisserie machine toward the front of the deli.

"That's where the flavor comes from," Zorluoglu said. "Everyone who tries the gyro says 'It's the best I've ever had.'"

Yorktown Deli offers a variety of hot foods (6 to 8 options daily); 18 different kinds of Mediterranean salads, gyro omelette sandwiches, falafel, spinach pies, baklava, and more. They also offer vegetarian options with the stuffed cabbage and grape leaves. 

It also provides a 10-percent discount to students, senior citizens, police and fire personnel and school employees. 

All of their recipes are courtesy of Zorluoglu and Gurbetci's mothers. In addition, some of the ingredients for their dishes – such as the spices and bulgur  –are purchased from Turkey and delivered here.

"[Our mothers] live overseas, so they were happy to have their food served and enjoyed by others," Zorluoglu said.

For their grand opening on Feb. 1, there will be a long table full of food samples, along with promotions and raffles, the business owners said. 

The Yorktown Deli is located at 2043 Saw Mill River Road. It is open every day – Sundays through Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m.