Our Story

Starting off as a peddler with a produce truck, my father, Mario Richard Ariemma sold produce, Italian groceries and fresh Jersey eggs throughout all of Staten Island. After about ten years of peddling, my father, Mario and my Grandfather, Alfredo Ariemma, bought the land at 1791 Hylan Boulevard when it was nothing but an apple tree farm surrounded by dirt roads and vacant land in 1956. Hylan Boulevard stretched over three traffic lights with a dense population of mostly Italians. My father, Mario, started Ary’s Delicatessen selling produce, Italian cheese, Italian meats, specialties and more. He supplied to the needs of majority of the Italian population on Staten Island. A building, a business and a name for himself, my father charmed the Staten Islanders with his knowledge of the business and his infectious and kind personality and people skills.

Five generations and 63 years of business later, our store still stands as Ariemma’s Italian Deli & Catering at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Buel Avenue with the old school, “mom & pop shop” feel and authentic atmosphere. My store is covered with old photos, newspaper clippings and old bills, making your trip to the deli a nostalgic museum visit as well. After my father passed in December of 2017, the street corner at Buel Avenue was named “Mario R. Ariemma” due to his impact on the Staten Island community over the past six decades. Today, I run the store with my four children, Sydney, Mario, Gabriella, and Santo, and head chef of over 30 years, Elias Gomez. My father’s legacy has been imbedded in my family’s work ethic and personalities. Delicious, fresh food and superb customer service has been our reputation since 1956.