Famous 4th Street Deli Reopens After 36-Hour Mouse Extermination and Cleaning Effort

On Friday, the Famous 4th Street Deli was allowed to reopen after being shut down by a city health inspector for violations. The Queen Village landmark was buzzing with activity during lunchtime, with waiters serving soups and sandwiches both in the restaurant and for takeout orders. The deli’s cases were filled with smoked fish, salads, and baked goods, while loaves of bread behind the counter were covered in plastic.

Owner Al Gamble stated that a team of exterminators and cleaners had worked tirelessly for 36 hours to address a mouse problem and other issues in the old building. Two dumpsters worth of materials were removed from the premises, and the exterminators sealed any holes in the building to prevent a recurrence of the issue. Gamble acknowledged that they had made administrative errors but credited the city for working with them to correct the issues.

Gamble expressed his excitement about getting to know the customers in the community and feeling their warm and familiar atmosphere. He purchased the deli from Russ Cowan, who bought it from David Auspitz’s son in 2005. The Famous 4th Street cookie business, founded nearly 40 years ago by David and Janie Auspitz, was sold in 2016.