Last winter, much to the surprise of many North York residents who had been frequenting the place for years (and in some cases, decades), Lorne Pancer decided to sell Moe Pancer’s Deli, which his grandfather opened in 1957. Now, months later, he has opened a new eponymous deli in Richmond Hill. We spoke with him about his decision to get back into the pastrami business.
When did you open?
We opened almost two weeks ago, on the 19th. We’re brand spankin’ new!
So you sold the old place on Bathurst at the end of the year. What brought about that decision?
One of my partners moved to Florida and my sister was diagnosed with cancer. And they were my partners. So we just felt that it was time to let it go. I wish the other deli all the best. I wish them great success.
And so what inspired you to open a new spot?
Something I always wanted to do was open up in the north end of Toronto. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. It’s in my blood, this business. And the client base has moved up here as well. My generation — we’re working on the fourth generation now — has moved up to this neck of the woods, so to speak. And I wanted to be in the business still.
Are the recipes the same? We heard that you sold those along with the old Pancer’s Deli.
Right, the recipes were sold. We have created our own. I’ve taken in a partner, Frank Houston. He is also a chef, he’s won awards for his cooking, he’s created a line of seasoning. He’s a wonderful complement to the family. We’re good buddies and we just thought it would be a good marriage.
So has he developed new takes on the old classics?
We are still traditional, but we have tweaked recipes and made our own seasonings and stuff.
So what’s different about the menu?
Deli menus are pretty much deli menus. We have added certain things. We put a sandwich on the menu that’s one pound of meat. It’s called the “Second Deli Sin.” Also we’ve created some different club house sandwiches. There’s healthier items, wraps, pita pockets to cater to the new generation. We have a variety of different products and items.
What is your favourite item on the menu?
My favourite item on the menu is always going to be pastrami on an onion bun. Always always. I’m a Pancer, pastrami’s in the blood line.
Do you have any plans to open up other locations in the future?
Yes, we do. In about a year.
How do you like the new neighbourhood so far?
We love it, it’s so wonderful, all my childhood friends live here. I see people I grew up with daily. And we also deliver from here, which we never did at the old deli.
Do you deliver all over the GTA?
We have a delivery region that’s within the parameters of the sales agreement with the owners of the old deli. It’s a large area.
And what is the dine-in atmosphere like?
It’s a new look for a traditional deli. We’ve got oak panelling on the walls. We have chalk boards running down the walls that people can write messages on. We have a chalk drawn menu and we had a local artist come in for that.
And how has business been in the first couple of weeks?
It’s been great. Dreams do come true. I’ve been dreaming about doing this for a long time.
Pancer’s Deli Emporium, 9960 Dufferin St., 905-417-1719