Back on the menu: Art's Deli reopening downtown

The new Art's Delicatessen is set to open in December 2011 at 13 Post Road West. The new Art's Delicatessen is set to open in December 2011 at 13 Post Road West. Photo: Paul Schott Photo: Paul Schott Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Back on the menu: Art's Deli reopening downtown 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

After a 21-year absence, an erstwhile lunchtime mainstay is returning to the west side of downtown Westport.

Art's Delicatessen will likely open in late December at 13 Post Road West, according to its owner, Richard Falcone. It will operate from the same address, with the same menu and decor, as the previous Art's Deli, which was run from 1969 to 1990 by Falcone's father, the late Arthur Falcone Sr.

"My love for the customers and the family-oriented business, that's what it's all about," Richard Falcone said. "There is nothing more than that. I want the customers to feel like they own this place, like it was back in the day."

The new Art's Deli is in an approximately 900-square-foot storefront, across the street from the downtown landmark, National Hall. Its offerings will include made-to-order sandwiches, homemade roast beef, and Art's Italian Combo, which comprises "everything," according to Falcone.

"We do whatever the customer wants," he said. "We'll make it in front of them. It's the old-time way. There are no rules."

Under his father's direction, Richard Falcone worked at the previous Art's Deli with his two brothers. After Arthur Falcone Sr. died, his sons sold the business to local businessman Manny Rodriguez, who ran the deli for a few more years.

After selling the original Art's Deli, Richard Falcone worked in various management positions in the supermarket industry. At the new Art's Deli, he will lead a four-person workforce, which will include his two sons.

Helene Kurtz, manager of the Age of Reason toy store, which is next to Art's Deli, welcomed its reopening.

"We're looking forward to going next door for a pastrami sandwich," she said. "It's a good sign. Maybe more people will stay around town, instead of going to Fairfield or all those other places."

The return of Art's Deli could mark the start of a turnaround for the west side of downtown Westport, which has been wracked by a series of retail and restaurant closings in recent years. Last year, the area endured arguably its most serious economic blow, when the boutique hotel, the Inn at National Hall closed. That building has since stood vacant, but could be set for new development after the Planning and Zoning Commission approved in October a text amendment that expands the amount of office space allowed there.

Several other vacancies also remain on the west side -- including the storefront abutting the deli on its east side. Falcone said he was confident, nonetheless, that his establishment could thrive again in the area.

"This is not just about my business," he said. "I want to see customers. I want to see some shopping going on there again. I'm hoping to wake up the whole area and bring some spark there again."