Rocky’s 24/7 Forever!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Well, it hasn’t been forever, really, but tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of Rocky’s Deli as a 24-hour operation. In 1970, current-owner Greg Santone started working at Rocky’s as a 10-year-old kid for then-owner Rocky Cambariere, who had opened Rocky’s in 1961—50 years ago, the other anniversary Santone is celebrating—where the Millwood Deli is now, next to Millwood Fire Station #1. In “Read more…” see video by Greeley grad Richard Ledley showing Rocky’s counter operating at warp speed.
Cambariere remained there until 1966, when he moved Rocky’s to its present home. In 1980, Santone and Cambariere’s son, Thomas, bought the place from Rocky. “I’d started working there at ten,” said Santone, “and then instead of taking it on himself, Tom [who was 39 at the time] took on a 20-year-old partner—me. Eight years ago Tom retired and I bought him out. Tom is 70 now and lives in Florida. And for the last 31 years, my right-hand-man is Tom Dickinson.”
This year Rocky’s turned 50—and tomorrow, December 7, marks the day 20 years ago when Santone decided to stay open 24 hours a day.
What made him do it?
“We used to close at 11:00 p.m.,” Santone explained, “but as soon as you’d close the door, someone would knock and need something. Then in order to open up at 5:00 a.m., someone has to be there at 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. anyway. So for a few hours, even if there isn’t a lot of business, they could let the newspapers and deliveries in. I had someone working for me in ‘91 who was kind of an night owl and he said ‘I’ll do it!’—so that’s when we started. And now I don’t even know if the door locks anymore!”
Editor’s Note: Below, see the 8½ -minute film shot about six years ago for a documentary film class at NYU by a 2004 graduate of Greeley, Richard Ledley. It’s got a dizzying time-lapse segment showing the deli counter at warp-speed. And photos of Santone as a kid!
Ledley was a big fan of Rocky’s chicken parm sandwich during high school.
Rocky’s Millwood Deli
235 Saw Mill River Road
Millwood, N.Y.
Hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 941-2165
Fax: 941-2159
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Congratulations on 50 years, here’s hoping for another 50. Terrific film, too. Turkey, cheddar and hot sauce on a roll got my son through high school!
Happy Anniversary to Rocky’s and Congratulations to Greg Santone, truly one of the nicest and most generous residents we’ve got in New Castle!
Thank you for this article and the video link. Fun to learn the history. I love the video and pics—now I almost know who’s who (I’m slow)! Our family loves Rocky’s and has since moving here in 1989. They have no problem making the crazy sandwich concoctions Jack comes up with—and they get it right! I wish other businesses were run like Rocky’s. There are so many things I am grateful about Rocky’s: I appreciate how friendly they are, how ‘johnny-on-the-spot’ their service is, how interested and caring they treat customers, how clean they are (I have never-ever seen anyone wipe/pick their nose, put their hands on their face, cough into their hands then take your money and touch your food—bleech—things I unfortunately see at many of food places, local markets). I appreciate how h.s.kids have a place to go to get food 24/7 and to be with friends. So many things I appreciate about Rocky’s. Thank you Rocky’s (and owners of course) for being there, for taking care of your staff so they want to be there, and for taking care of us. Best wishes for continued success for the next 50+years.
Congratulations Greg, You have been a wonderful. generous, and helpful neighbor for over 40 years.The best part is that whenever we have had to direct anyone to the Millwood Animal Hospital all we’ve had to say is “next to Rockys” and they knew just where to go.Rockys is the centerpiece of Millwood.
Great story about a great guy and a great place. Greg is a true citizen of Millwood/New Castle.
Rocky’s is the greatest. Sara Brewster
Great film about a community treasure~
Congrats good luck on the future
Rockys is a Millwood landmark that we’re all proud of. With so much uncertainty about many things, we can always count on Rockys being there for us.
Congratulations to Greg and all of his hard working staff. The fire company can always count on Rocky’s for support and a hot meal on long cold nights while doing our job . 50 more years!!! thanks Greg
GREAT VIDEO! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GREG. WE’LL KEEP THE LIGHTS ON FOR YA!
