PJ’s Deli celebrates 35-year milestone

PJ’s Deli wouldn’t be commemorating its 35-year anniversary in Newton this week if it wasn’t for the devoted customers and dedicated staff, owner and founder Phil Muta said.

“I’m really proud of the people,” he said during a recent phone interview with Newton News. “My opinion is: I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the people. I like to call our staff the ‘miracle team.’ They’re a great group.”

Cara Muta added, “And I think we have a remarkable staff, because without them we certainly couldn’t give out the level of service that we have that people have come to expect and appreciate.”

The local deli specializing in made-to-order sandwiches, hot soups and the much sought after dill dip turned 35 years old on Wednesday, March 24. To celebrate, staff are allowing customers to spin a wheel inside the 101 First Ave. E. restaurant for limited time thank you gifts.

Cara Muta said the customers’ loyalty even helped PJ’s Deli through the pandemic, a time where all restaurants and bars in the state were forced to either close down or complete shift operations and business models. The deli managed to prevail, and Cara Muta credits much of that to the community’s support.

“It’s remarkable and surprising that people would continue to support us even if they were on hard times,” she said. “But we really did have a lot of company support like TPI and the hospital were big supporters during that time.”

Phil Muta added, “We try to treat the customers as family. It’s always nice to have family around. That’s what we appreciate when they come back.”

PJ’s Deli is offering its 35th anniversary “thank you” gifts to customers through April 6.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com