JP's Deli has been open since 1973 and has recently undergone renovations. Once you park you'll walk past the large storefront window. Through the glass door, there will be the aroma of homemade sides and in-house smoked meats. Just past the door on your way to the deli counter to place your order, you will pass a bench and a self-serve coffee station. The coffee is always hot and free, as long as you don't mind styrofoam cups. The restaurant is a simple L-shaped room with a large seating area, a service counter, and a kitchen in the back. On your right, as you enter will be dining room-style tables and chairs, as well as bar seating in front of the large bay window. The walls are two-tone, the upper half in a clean white coat and the lower in a soft blue, neatly arranged along either side of the walls are photos taken with a drone. Before you get to the service counter there is a self-service drink cooler packed with soda, water, and if the time of the year is right, locally procured cider. Behind the cash register you'll find Chris if he is not in the back cooking, he wears a blue ball cap, sweatshirt, and jeans. Chris is quick with a joke and a no-nonsense attitude when the lunch rush starts.
JP's Deli is family owned and operated giving it a very home-like atmosphere whether you are stopping in for breakfast or lunch. Behind the long white service counter stocked full of fresh toppings, cheeses, and meats will be Diane and Anne Marie. Diane wears a light blue ball cap, dark pink shirt, and black work pants, she is quick to take your order politely while smiling "What will it be honey?". Beside Diane behind the counter is Annemarie who is Chris' wife, she stands a bit taller than Diane with short cropped blonde hair, a maroon long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans. Either one will greet you with a warm smile and take your order quickly. Don't worry about standing around waiting for your food unless it is for take-out because a polite touch JP's has is that your food is hand-delivered to you at your seat by whoever has a free moment.
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| From left to right: Diane, Chris, Annemarie |
The day starts for Chris and Diane before the sun is even up at 6:30am when they both arrive to start the breakfast service. Annemarie comes in a bit later at 9:30 to start getting ready for the lunch service. Annemarie gets to come in a bit later because she makes all the delicious homemade soups that will be on the menu the night before. They also enlist the help of Phillis, who is Annemarie's mother, to help prepare the freshly baked bread from New York City. Phillis has well-kept silver hair, and glasses and always has on a nicely matched colorful outfit, after she helps with the preparation for lunch she occupies a table that fills up with other regulars. Chris gets his deli meats from New York City. The signature savory pork brisket is procured from local country stores and Philadelphia and is smoked to perfection in-house. Sometimes Steve who is a regular with a neatly maintained grey beard and black flat cap is quick with a helping hand, especially when there is a line. He has experience working at local restaurants in the area and is now retired. Sitting with Phillis as Chris queries the line "Hot food, Anyone want anything hot?". "What's that specials board say, hamburger with mushrooms and cheese? I think I'll have that today" is the response echoed by the pastor. He makes the short trip from the Lutheran Church across the street daily with his wife and can be found sitting with Phillis and the other regulars. Steve acts as if he is reluctant to help standing up from his seat he directs a jab at Chris, "I guess I'll give you a hand."
Whether waiting to order or enjoying that order, the family-like atmosphere of JP's will define the experience. JP's offers local delivery and Chris is quick to get mad if one of his regular delivery orderers shows up to pick it up before he has a chance to hand deliver the food. Chris, who prides himself on customer care, emerges from the kitchen to see an older gentleman in a camo hunting jacket and stocking cap who is a usual delivery order patron patiently waiting to pay for his food. Chris exclaims with frustration "What are you doing here?" The man responds politely, "I thought I would save you the hassle and come get it myself." Chris scolds the man "You know better than that, I was just about to leave and bring it to you!" At JP's, in-house service and delivery alike never suffer from a lack of personality. Just like how the food is prepared and cared for to the utmost quality, so is the service of the loyal customers.
If you're looking for a hardy freshly-cooked breakfast, the finest cold cuts, in-house smoked brisket, or any other hot handmade sandwich, JP's is the place for you. With a warm atmosphere, friendly patrons, and dedicated staff, JP's Cold Cuts will never fail to deliver.
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