Authentic European Deli Opens On Route 5 In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — Marek "Mark" Gusciora came to the United States from his native Poland 14 years ago, and immediately began living the American dream. He worked in the construction industry, and met and married his beautiful wife Beata - also a Polish immigrant of more than a decade. The couple had a child who is now of school age, and nearly two years ago, they bought a house in northern Enfield.

Their dreams expanded beyond all that, however, and became reality two weeks ago when they opened Alicja Deli, a European food market in the Mountain Laurel Shoppes at 786 Enfield Street. Named after Beata's mother, who passed away not long ago, the market is located in the site formerly occupied by Creative School of Hairdressing.

Shoppers will find items at Alicja's that are not readily available elsewhere. Every item on the shelves contains labels written mainly in Polish, with some items from Russia and other Eastern European countries.

The deli counter is the centerpiece of the store. Inside the glass cases are authentic European kielbasa, ham, sausage, loins, cheeses and many other delicacies.

"We did a survey before we opened to find out what our customers wanted in the store, and we have it all," Mark Gusciora said.

A buzz has already begun on social media. Joseph Kasperzak wrote, "Went there today, great deli and kielbasa selection, I will go back." Marta Powichrowski wrote, "Get there and get deli meat - way less sodium and tastes great."

The market is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Military veterans and seniors over 80 get a 5 percent discount at all times.

More information about Alicja Deli may be found here.

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