Customers may have recently noticed a familiar face back at Newtown Deli & Catering, 79 South Main Street.

Newtown resident Miguel Rodriguez purchased the business in October 2016, after having worked there as its manager for 16 years, prior to leaving for a short period.

With about 20 years of experience in the food industry, Mr Rodriguez now runs the Newtown Deli - as well as Brookfield Deli & Catering - with his family, including his daughter, Nancy, and his son, Miguel Jr.

His children are very supportive of their father's hard work and dedication to the business, with Nancy saying, "It's a big accomplishment for him, having worked behind the scenes and then buying his own deli."

The family atmosphere is not limited to those working behind the counters, but it is part of the very fabric that is Newtown Deli & Catering.

Miguel Jr explained that customers are treated like part of the family, and that "it's a friendly environment where everyone is welcome."

Customers can pick up a quick bite to eat or sit down and enjoy a meal with friends and family at their leisure.

The deli seats more than 20 people at tables and window seating, with a patio area also available during the warmer months for guests to dine outside under umbrellas.

"Everything is fresh and homemade," Mr Rodriguez said. From the hot meals to the sandwiches, to the salads and soups, meals are made from scratch daily.

In April of this year, Newtown Deli expanded its services and added a Burger Grille where customers can order homemade burgers that get cooked right in front of them to their specifications.

The patties are all-natural 8-ounce Angus beef, brisket, prime rib blend burgers. Miguel Jr said the extensive Burger Grille menu "adds a flair to what we offer here."

Burger Grille delivery is available from 4 to 7:30 pm, with a $20 minimum.

Parties can have their events catered by Newtown Deli, too, which has pickup and delivery options.

The catering menu has a variety of appetizers, salads, cold cut platters, pasta dishes, chicken, beef, pork, fish, vegetable, and dessert options, but Nancy assures, "If there is something that we don't have on the menu that someone wants, we are more than happy to make it for them."

A Sample of the Menu:

Breakfast: One of the most popular specialty breakfast sandwiches at Newtown Deli & Catering is known as the "#1." It has bacon, sausage, ham, double egg, double cheese, with home fries on a roll for just $5.95. Breakfast options are available everyday.

Hot Foods: There are hot food specials available daily, all of which are posted on Newtown Deli's Facebook page. Some hot food highlights include the chicken parmigiano and the brisket beef.

At the Burger Grille, customers cannot get enough of the Big Boss Burger. It comes topped with caramelized onions, onion rings, sautéed mushrooms, melted pepper jack cheese, and is drizzled with homemade sauce, all for $10.99. Each burger comes with the customer's choice of bun and a side of french fries.Burgers:

Sides: Customers can enjoy a wide selection of signature homemade sides that include onion rings, sweet potato fries, or waffle cut fries - all of which make a great addition to any plate. A standout side is the lasagna fries, comprised of ground beef, melted mozzarella, and the deli's red sauce on waffle fries.

Specialty Sandwiches: There are 20 specialty sandwiches on the menu, including The Godfather. The sandwich has prosciutto, salami, sopressata, mortadella, capocollo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil, and vinegar for $7.50. It comes with the customer's choice of hot or sweet peppers.

Panini: The grilled chicken panini has fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers with pesto for $7.99.

Newtown Deli & Catering makes soups on premises everyday. A popular option is the chicken and rice soup.Soups:

Salads: All of the 15 salads are made fresh daily, including the specialty Asian, roasted turkey, and vegetarian salads.

Beverages: Newtown Deli & Catering offers a wide selection of drinks. Its homemade ice tea and iced coffees are the perfect way to cool off this summer.

Rolls: All the bread at Newtown Deli & Catering is from Arthur Avenue.

Sweets: There are different cookies and pastries available.

The Newtown Deli & Catering, 79 South Main Street, is open Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm. Onsite and delivery catering available. For more information, visit newtowndelicatering.com, follow on Facebook, call 203-364-1218, or e-mail newtowndeliandcatering@gmail.com.