A Bold Fusion Born from Legacy (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Florida – Entrepreneurs with deep New York roots have merged family traditions to deliver authentic Big Apple flavors to eager customers in the Sunshine State.
A Bold Fusion Born from Legacy
Mark Goldberg and Nick Maltese grew up immersed in their respective family businesses, each steeped in culinary heritage. Goldberg helmed Goldberg’s Famous Bagels, renowned for its traditional Jewish-style bagels baked fresh in-house. Maltese carried forward Rotini’s Italian Deli, a venture launched by his father in 1971 on Bayview Drive.[1]
The duo recently combined forces, creating A&S Deli Bakery – a single destination blending hearty bagels with Italian specialties. This partnership honors their origins while catering to Florida residents craving New York staples. Customers now enjoy everything from toasted sesame bagels topped with vegetable cream cheese, lox, tomato, red onion, and capers to innovative deli sandwiches.
Nick Maltese recalled the deli’s beginnings: “We started here in Florida in 1971 on Bayview Drive. It was called Rotini’s Italian Deli, and my dad was young. He would make a fresh mozzarella, making super salads.”[1]
Authentic Flavors That Feel Like Home
Freshness defines the operation. The deli produces homemade mozzarella daily, paired with crisp salads and premium meats. Bagels emerge from the oven daily, capturing the dense chew and subtle shine prized by New York purists. Both sides emphasize quality ingredients and welcoming service.
“Both sides of the shop pride themselves on the freshness of their products, like the homemade mozzarella on the A&S side. You ain’t getting fresher than that,” one partner noted. This commitment draws locals and transplants alike, who often remark on the comforting familiarity.[1]
The atmosphere reinforces the appeal. Staff treat every visitor like family, fostering loyalty in a competitive market. One patron shared, “I would say that my favorite thing about this place is that, come in and you feel like you’re home.”[1]
Standout Menu Highlights
The menu showcases creative yet true-to-roots options. Diners rave about these crowd-pleasers:
- Nicky’s Favorite: Fresh mozzarella, tomato, prosciutto, and balsamic glaze on quality bread.
- South Bronx Chicken Cutlet Sandwich: Breaded chicken cutlet, vodka sauce, prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, served on semolina bread.
- Classic Bagel Board: Toasted sesame bagel with lox, cream cheese, and fixings.
- Fresh Salads: Super salads made with daily mozzarella and seasonal produce.
These items highlight the seamless blend of Italian flair and bagel tradition. Servers guide newcomers through choices, ensuring satisfying experiences.
Spotlighted in National Media
The story gained attention in a recent CBS News Uplift segment, which celebrated the entrepreneurs’ efforts to bring New York food staples to Florida. The feature underscored their role in satisfying homesick palates amid the state’s growing population of Northern transplants.[2]
Such ventures reflect broader trends, as culinary innovators adapt beloved regional foods to new markets. Goldberg and Maltese exemplify resilience and collaboration in the food industry.
Key Takeaways
- Family-run since 1971, now fused for broader appeal.
- Daily fresh mozzarella and in-house bagels set them apart.
- Welcoming vibe turns customers into regulars.
This fusion spot proves New York flavors thrive under Florida sun, blending nostalgia with innovation. What New York staple would you bring south? Tell us in the comments.
