A Gloucester City classic is getting a fresh slice. The beloved deli that’s been serving hoagies and sandwiches since the 1950s will reopen in September with a new name and new owners—though they’re anything but strangers.
Longtime residents and loyal customers Dave Smith and Mike Benner are taking over the reins, reviving the spot as Tooties Market while keeping its neighborhood charm alive.
“My dad is 75 and he said it was always Tooties when he was a kid. The nostalgia, we just wanted to keep it going,” Smith told What Now Philadelphia. “It was kind of devastating for the community when it closed all of a sudden.”
Heather Wert closed the shop on August 1 after owning it for a decade.
“It really breaks my heart to have to make this post. After 10 long years here at Tooties, we have made the hard decision to close the doors. To our customers, who have become like family, we say thank you for your support and gratitude through the years. To the community, who showed us nothing but love, we truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything. We will truly miss every single one of you!” the shop shared via Facebook.
With Tooties’ revival, Smith said they plan to keep the same staff on board while gradually adding their own touches. He said the quick turnaround to reopen has been stressful, but he is more excited about the role Tooties Market will continue to play in the community for years to come.
