Gourmet Deli to Open in Vacant Ramapo Centre Storefront

It’s been about eight months since Mahwah Bagels and Gourmet was evicted from its spot in the Ramapo Centre shopping complex on Macarthur Boulevard. The eatery was the third vacancy in the center, and one local entrepreneur says he is eager to fill it.

Mike Flynn – a 22-year career chef who spent the last decade working as the sous chef at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes – said he wants to open his first business close to home.

“I live right next door, I could really walk to the store in about three minutes,” the 12-year resident said. “My daughter is a student at the Ridge, she’s gone to three schools up and down this road so far. My wife and I knew we wanted to open a business in Mahwah, in our community.”

Flynn said he is working everyday to get his new shop ready for an April opening. The chef is revamping a lot of what was already there to create a new concept that combines a deli, butcher, bakery and gourmet market.

Once it is complete and opened, residents will be able to stop into Mary Ann’s Gourmet Market – named for Flynn’s daughter – to pick up hot and cold prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners, butchered meats, cold cuts, sandwiches, deli items, baked goods, cappuccinos and coffees, and gourmet and organic groceries.

Local baker Amy Lung – fresh off her appearance on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars – will be the on-site pastry chef. In addition to baked goods sold at the market, Mary Ann’s will also offer birthday, wedding and other specialty cakes, he said.

Flynn also said he plans to have a big-screen TV, free WiFi, and a mix of cafeteria seating on one side of the market, and “comfy seating,” with couches and large chairs, on the other.

“We really want people to feel comfortable, and to enjoy this place,” he said. “I think when it’s all done, it’s going to be pretty awesome.”

Flynn said his whole family is pitching in to help get the business up and running, and it’ll remain a family affair once it opens its doors.

“It’s 100% a family affair,” Flynn said.

And, once Mary Ann’s opens, it will be focused on the food.

“That’s really why I wanted to open my own place. I want to share my love of food with the people in my community.”

Flynn said he plans to officially open for business in mid-April. 

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