Deli Forced To Temporarily Shut In South Jersey: See Why

SOMERDALE, NJ — A popular South Jersey deli was forced to temporarily close on Monday after copper wire that keeps their food cold was stolen, the business's owner said.

"I saved the chicken salad!" Johnny "Gabagool" Aubry said in a social media message to the community.

Everything else had to be thrown out.

Thieves stole around $20 worth of copper piping that supplies cold air for the walk-in box and deli case, Aubry told ABC, and caused roughly $20,000 in losses due to unsafe temperatures that the meats reached.

A group of 10 employees is currently out of work.

As Gabagool and the business await insurance representatives, technicians, and supplier responses, he said the outpouring of support from neighboring businesses and individuals in the neighborhood has been overwhelming.

A few locals even offered their personal home refrigerators to help out.

"We will get through it," Gabagool added. "Thank you for your patience and all of your condolences."

Somerdale Cold Cuts is located at 501 N Warwick Rd. As of Thursday afternoon, the deli was still closed.

Gabagool said he will continue to share developments and messages with the community as to when the business will be back up and running.

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