New deli has homemade specialties and will cater for your special occasion, By Donna Chamberlain West Milford - As far back as age 13, Mario Russo worked in the food business. His uncle owned Sandwiches Unlimited in Raritan and as a young boy, Russo was already working in the kitchen. By the time he was 23, he already owned his own business. Now, Russo has opened Mario’s Bagels and Deli at 10 Marshall Hill Road next to Ace Hardware and across from the ShopRite plaza, getting back to the business he was born to be in. Russo and his brother, Anthony, grew up in Newark during some hard times. “It wasn’t easy for us and in some ways maybe it made us close,” said Russo. It was because of the attachment to his brother and his feeling that his own son, Michael, would find stability here, that Russo moved to West Milford, where his brother had moved years before. You may recognize Russo, who previously worked at the NandS Deli for over three years before devoting all of his efforts to his own catering business. He also worked at the Short Stop Bagel on Route 23. Now, though, he is working for himself at Mario’s Bagels and Deli. Russo is known for his soups, carrying on the tradition that his uncle taught him many years ago of using only fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch. “I cook how my uncle taught me many years ago,” said Russo. The deli carries different specials daily, including sausage and peppers, chicken Francais, meatloaf, chicken Marsala, eggplant rollatini, and stuffed mushrooms to name a few. “I only carry Boars Head deli meats and cheeses, speciality breads, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto,” he added. He also has speciality coffees, cappuccino, and assorted teas. And his store is a pleasure to be in. Russo remodeled the entire place with the help of a few friends, Freddy and Janie Englehardt, contractor Carl Brandt, and his fiancee, Melinda Hawkins. Specialty furniture from the local business, Before and After, is also on display at the deli. Russo donates his left-over bagels to local farmers for their animals. Mario’s Bagels and Deli is open from 5 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 5:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekends. Beyond those hours, Russo is busy with his catering business and special order platters. He hopes to be open for dinner in the future. For now, starting a business in these economic times hasn’t rattled him at all. Instead, he is very positive. “The economy has to get better and, so far, business has been great,” said Russo. “I feel this is a wonderful future for my son, Michael, and my new family. Location here is key. I’m a people person, and I know it will work”