Erin Lanahan 
After serving the Bergen County community for over six decades, a well-loved Ridgewood deli has closed its doors. The Wilkes Deli on East Glen Avenue, known as “The Little Store,” announced its closure. There are plans for a new deli to take over, but sadly, the Wilkes family says their secret potato salad recipe will stay a secret. Read on for a look back at the Wilkes Deli and what’s coming to the Ridgewood location next.
Photo Credit: Google Earth
Wilkes Deli
Three generations have owned this New Jersey deli. The Wilkes family opened its first deli location in Fair Lawn in 1938, according to the website. Frank and Ruth Wilkes ran the small grocery store with their three children, Howard, Charles, and Ruth. Howard took over the business when Frank and Ruth retired, then bought the Glen Avenue location in 1961. His brother, Charles, took over the Ridgewood location. While the Fair Lawn store is gone, the Glen Avenue store continued serving its community for over 60 years.
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Charles’ son, Curt, joined the family business after high school. He quickly became manager and then owner. Curt and his wife, Jennifer, owned and ran the store for the past 35 years.
There is a ton of family tradition and history within the walls of Wilkes Deli. According to the deli’s website, “Curt prides himself on putting out a quality product in the traditions that were handed down to him from his grandparents and his father.” Everything at the deli was homemade by Curt and the staff, just like the famous potato salad so many Bergen County locals loved.
The Closure + What’s Next
Wilkes Deli closed its doors for good on December 28th, 2025. In a Facebook post on December 26th, 2025, the deli said, “Curt, Jen and the Family thank our loyal customers. Thank you for trusting us all these years! We will miss you!”
According to the family, a new deli will take over the location. The post mentions, “Coming soon…Gino’s Deli.”
As for the potato salad, they will not be sharing the recipe. In a Facebook post, Jen Wilkes said, “Lastly no… sadly we will not be sharing the Potato Salad Recipe. It will always be a family secret. We have taught Gino many of the other recipes, so be sure to come in and try them out! He will be a great addition to the neighborhood!”
Information about Gino’s Deli, such as opening date and the menu, has not been released yet.
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