There’s a brand-new deli on the Upper West Side, and it’s located in a familiar old spot.
The corner of 84th and Columbus has been vacant since June 2023, when New Parisian Deli suddenly shut down after 45 years in the neighborhood.
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But as of January 9, a new (non-Parisian) deli, called Eats on Columbus Marketplace, has taken up residence in the same space, and it’s officially open for business.
The market has all the expected staples: candy, snacks, cleaning supplies, and a long wall of sandwiches.
We spoke with owner, Anoer Alkandi, who told us he was thrilled to be here.
“It’s going great. The whole neighborhood likes it.”
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When asked how he felt about replacing New Parisian, Alkandi said that based on his conversations with customers, the old deli was “not it.” That sentiment gels with New Parisian’s 2.5 star Yelp rating, along with reports of a leaky ceiling and problems with the flooring prior to its closure.
Eats on Columbus seems to have fixed these issues and was crowded and buzzing when we showed up, with the aisles full and people filtering in and out.
“Glad this place has opened, It’s great to have a deli back here,” said one customer.
Although we didn’t see any police officers when we were there, Alkandi told us that with the Upper West Side’s 20th Precinct located just a few blocks away, he’s already gotten a fair amount of business from local law enforcement.
“Cops get 10% off, swing by to use the bathroom, whatever, we’re happy to have you,” he said.
The deli is running a few opening week specials including free coffee and a free can of soda with the purchase of a sandwich.
“Open 24/7, we’re like family. If you need anything we’re here. It’s a neighborhood marketplace.”
Eats on Columbus Marketplace is located at 501 Columbus Avenue.
It’s not the largest issue facing the planet nor the UWS, and correct me if I’m wrong, but weren’t freebies and discounts for LEOs (law enforcement officers be they federal, state or local) basically made illegal or at least majorly frowned upon and thereby DISCONTINUED throughout New York City and New York State more than 2 decades ago….and across many other states as well? Everywhere I go, I see police officers paying cash for their purchases and not being offered nor taking any advantage. Who does this proprietor think he is going back to old country ways and winking at the cops and giving them any kind of discount? With the precinct nearby what’s with using this store’s bathrooms instead of their own? Strange to say the least…
Why do you care? When I ran a small business I was very nice to the cops because I wanted them to keep coming around because I dealt in cash and it made me safer. Stores give discounts to students and seniors etc., they can give them to other people too. It’s not a bribe.
My 1 cent, TV Man appears to argue that offering discounts to law enforcement creates a culture of … bribery. I give you discount, pee whenever you like without buying anything, etc., and in exchange keep an eye on me. This is no the same as discounts for students or senior citizens, you do not expect any of them to come in uniform and make you feel safer.
The police, firemen, etc., are civil servants are well compensated. We respect them but they also, for the most part, respect themselves and do not want an appearance of impropriety. So why encourage, dangle freebies or other not paid for benefits when we are trying to discourage that kind of behavior? That’s why we care, because we have seen the past and learned something from it and do not want it repeated.
Watch Serpico or read papers from the 70’s.