Amidst a row of worn and weathered awnings, the brightly lit and inviting Green Valley Gourmet Deli on Bainbridge Avenue stands out and provides a refreshing contrast to some of the other local businesses. It’s one of two shiny new delis to open up shop in the neighborhood.

Green Valley, which opened in February, prides itself on being different. “We are something new,” says employee Basher Alkusari. In addition to standard deli foods such as sandwiches and grocery items, Green Valley offers Middle Eastern Halal fare and various cakes and pastries. Alkusari says the Halal food has been a hit so far with the employees of North Central Bronx Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center.

Walking inside the deli, you are immediately struck by the inviting floor layout and decorative interior. The walls are painted in an embroidered satin color. “Everyone loves the walls,” Alkusari says.

The Gourmet Deli on Webster Avenue and 204th Street has also received its share of admiration. It’s a local-friendly spot that receives lots of customers from the nearby 52nd Police Precinct headquarters. 

Anvore Tareb, the night shift employee for the 24-hour deli, says business has gone well since the store’s opening in January. The majority of the customers come for the deli foods such as the sandwiches, hot and cold food options, cakes, and fresh fruits, Tareb says. The deli also offers several lunchtime specials, which Tareb says many people take advantage of.

The deli sits on the corner of a busy intersection, and the great big awning still displaying colorful “grand opening” banners is an eye-catcher for anyone passing by.

Both delis opened with the hope that their contemporary look would help boost their productivity, and so far things have gone well. “We bring something fresh and new to this neighborhood,” says Alkusari, leaning on his spotless marble countertop. “I’m confident we’ll be around for a while.”