In an era of rapidly changing retail landscapes, one local institution is proving that tradition and quality never go out of style. This month, DeMarco’s Catering & Gourmet Deli officially marks 50 years of business at the Regent Shopping Center, maintaining its status as a beloved community staple since 1975.
Founded by Louis DeMarco on Dec. 9, 1975, the deli began with a simple, aromatic mission: baking hand-rolled Italian bread in a traditional brick oven. Five decades later, that oven is still hot, and the legacy is stronger than ever.
Today, the business is managed by Louis’s sons, Eugene and Robert DeMarco. While the menu has expanded significantly over the years, the core philosophy remains unchanged.
The deli has evolved from a neighborhood bakery into a full-scale gourmet destination. Its current offerings include a signature bakery, gourmet deli and prepared foods.
Despite the growth, the first generation is still very much involved. “At 85 years old, my dad is still here several days a week baking bread from scratch,” Eugene DeMarco shared, attributing their longevity to high-quality ingredients and a dedicated staff.
As an original tenant of the Garden Commercial-owned property at Route 34 and Lloyd Road, DeMarco’s has witnessed the transformation of the local area. The shopping center, anchored by Stop & Shop, has recently seen a surge of “fresh energy” with the addition of national brands like Crunch Fitness and JAG Physical Therapy.
Michael Gartenberg, Director of Garden Commercial, emphasized the importance of legacy tenants like DeMarco’s in creating a successful retail environment.
“We are honored to celebrate DeMarco’s 50th anniversary,” said Gartenberg. “One of the things we’re most proud of is the balance we’ve built between long-term tenants that have grown with us for years and the fresh energy brought in by new businesses.”
For the DeMarco family, the milestone is as much about the customers as it is about the food. The deli serves a wide-reaching customer base across Monmouth and Middlesex counties, citing these long-standing relationships as the “backbone” of their success.
“This shopping center has served us well for 50 years; we’ve never had a reason to leave,” Eugene DeMarco added.
As they enter their sixth decade, the DeMarco family continues to prove that in the world of gourmet food, the “secret” to staying power is simply delivering a great product, every single day.
