Eric's Deli & Catering opens in Sparta

BY ROSE SGARLATO
SPARTA — Early hours and seven days a week is what Eric Gonzalez lives for. His new business, Eric’s Deli & Catering, located at 151 Woodport Road, opened in October to a welcoming Sparta crowd.

Gonzalez, a Sussex County native now residing in Vernon, went straight into the food industry after college. After working as a rep for Coca Cola, he was always on the move in and out of various food outlets,including The Bagel Tree in Franklin where he was a manager for many years.

There he learned the tricks of the trade, particularly hospitality towards customers and hard work. In 2008, he was preparing to buy The Bagel Tree when fate took him a different way.

“My father passed away in January 2009 at 53 years old. He is my inspiration. We always talked about opening my own business,” said Gonzalez.

During the milieu of his father being ill, another person stepped in to seal the deal and purchased The Bagel Tree. At first Gonzalez was disappointed, but eventually it served a purpose.

“The new owner showed me the restaurant aspect of it. I learned how to make soups and sauces,” said Gonzalez. “And I kept on operating it and left on good terms.”

Another twist of fate led Gonzalez to Sparta. The same day he saw the For Rent sign on Woodport Road, he was on his way to meet his girlfriend Alexis for dinner and was optimistic about a life-changing question.

“I was proposing to my fiancé in the beginning of May. She had no idea was going to pop the question,” he said. “I was meeting her at St. Moritz when I saw the For Rent sign.”

The ride to Sparta was fortuitous, as Gonzales now had a fiancé and a potential location for a business.

The storefront had been many delis over the years. More recently it was empty for over six months.

“I always wanted to own a bagel shop but knew that Sparta needed a deli.”

Gonzales consulted his family for the green light, specifically his mother who is his financial backer.

“We immediately thought we can make this a classic deli,” said Gonzales. “We don’t have lottery, and we don’t have cigarettes.”

What Eric’s Deli & Catering does have is high quality cold cuts, homemade salads and soups, among many other selections including breakfast choices and paninis.

Gonzales said his specialty sandwiches are a big hit, notably The Smokehouse, mesquite smoked turkey with bacon, avocado and gouda, as well as The Dubliner, corned beef with sweet slaw and pickles on rye.

“We are reasonably priced and all of the items from the grill come with fries,” said Gonzales. “I like to think of it as from mom’s kitchen, and she is in the back.”

Hot and cold catering is available and two-day notice is suggested, but Gonzales said his staff and kitchen are also equipped to respond quickly to customers orders.

The family influence resulted in Gonzelez dedicating Eric’s Deli & Catering to the memory of his father Ed. His fiancée is also by his side. Together they enjoy the atmosphere and interaction with customers.

“Everyone is saying this is what this town needed. I'm just hoping they are all provided for.”