Town Hall Deli
Since 1927 Birthplace of the Sloppy Joe
Catering
Deli
Liquor
Wine
Sandwiches
Beer
About Us
The Real Story of the Sloppy Joe
Town Hall Deli opened in 1927. Its original home was on South Orange Avenue, a few doors
away from the actual Town Hall; hence the name, Town Hall Delicatessen. The Deli was
purchased in the 1930's from the original owner by the Joost and Berdorf families..... many
villagers still remember Fred and Hans.
During the 1930's, the then-Mayor of Maplewood, Mayor Sweeney, visited Havana Cuba. While there,
he visited Sloppy Joe's Bar and Eatery. Ernest Hemingway and other famous figures frequented Joe's
which, at the time, was open to American tourism. Joe, the proprietor, was well-known for the disarray
in the Bar- alas, the nickname "Sloppy" Joe!
While the Mayor was at Joe's in Cuba, he had a sandwich that he loved so much that when he returned
to the US, he asked Fred and Hans to duplicate the recipe. It was made with cole slaw, ham, cow tongue, swiss cheese, with lots of dressing served on thin rye bread. Hence, the origin of the Sloppy Joe sandwich
and how Town Hall Deli of South Orange became The Birthplace of the Sloppy Joe! Today, Sloppy Joes
are made in a wide variety, using any two meats and a cheese of your choice.
Although Town Hall Deli is famous across the country for inventing the Sloppy Joe, it is first and
foremost a Delicatessen in the traditional style, serving quality storemade products for every meal.
Town Hall Deli moved to its most commonly known location, the brick building at 18 South Orange
Avenue, around 1940. Sold to its current owner, Tony Wonski, the Deli relocated in 2007 to its
home on Valley Street, complete with parking, just steps away from its two previous locations. And
so, the tradition continues.
Town Hall Deli 1927- 1940
Town Hall Deli 1940 - 2004
Sloppy Joe's Bar
Havana, Cuba Circa 1930's
Not Just Your Average Joe
PREVIOUS
NEXT
Give Us Your Email
• Town Hall Deli • 60 Valley Street • South Orange, NJ 07079 • 973-762-4900 • Mon - FRI 8 AM - 8 PM Sat 8 AM - 5 PM Sun 9 AM- 4 PM • Copyright 2009 •
