When Melissa Alcantara left her corporate career behind and moved to Ocala from Palm Beach, she was searching for her next chapter in life. To guide her, she recalled her business travels while working in corporate America, when she would frequently travel to New York and New Jersey.
“I spent time eating at the delis in New York and Jersey, and after the market crashed after COVID, I decided that I wanted to do something different,” Alcantara told What Now Jacksonville. “I wanted to go into the restaurant industry.”
The pivot led Alcantara to purchase Dave’s New York Deli in Newberry, which she has now owned for four years.
Now, Alcantara is bringing a deli to her new area of residence in Green Cove Springs. She will open US17 New York Deli in a 1,200-square-foot space at 3555 US Hwy 17, Unit 12, in Fleming Island.
The second-generation restaurant space will be transformed to replicate an authentic New York deli experience. Alcantara emphasizes quality sandwiches, with premium meats and cheeses sliced in house. She sources her bread and bagels from New York City to maintain the authentic feel.
“I’ve always enjoyed a good pastrami, a good Reuben, a good deli sandwich or sub, so here I am trying to provide that to the community with quality meats and cheeses and fresh veggies,” Alcantara said.
Alcantara is targeting a January opening. When US17 New York Deli opens, she hopes to also use it as a way to give back to the community and causes such as supporting veterans and local school fundraisers.
“This is my bread and butter,” Alcantara said. “It will be a good New York deli for the community to come and enjoy.”
