Borscht Belt-Themed Sandwich Shop Closes In Newtown

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Three years after opening at the Village at Newtown South, the Borscht Belt has closed its doors.

The sandwich shop, themed after the legendary Borscht Belt resort in upstate New York, once known for its nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment, shut down operations after serving breakfast and lunch on Father’s Day.

The deli posted a Facebook message to its customers on Wednesday that read, “Thank you for being a Mensch,” and expressed its "appreciation for the many wonderful years and the loyalty of our customers."

While the Borscht Belt will no longer be open on South Eagle Road, customers can still find their favorites at the Belt's Chestnut Hill location and at food truck festivals throughout Bucks County. They can also order food through Goldbelly.

In 2023, Mike Dalewicz and Celebrity Chef Nick Liberato opened the Newtown deli, which quickly became a favorite for its fresh Ess-A-Bagels, piled-high Reuben and Rachel sandwiches, brisket and pastrami sandwiches, Matzah Ball soup, and its potato latkes.

“Opening during the pandemic in 2020, The Borscht Belt became a place for community gathering and comfort food during deeply uncertain times — and for sharing countless celebrations," said Dalewicz on Wednesday.

“We’re grateful beyond words to the Hunterdon and Bucks County communities that supported us from day one. While we’re closing this location, this is the start of a new chapter, not the end," he said.

“We’ll be out all summer at food truck events around Bucks County, we’re proud to be based in Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia at the Market at Fareway, and we’re excited to launch a new concept — The Belt: Hand-carved sandwiches and Smashed by The Belt (a Smashburger concept) — at Quakerbridge Mall in Mercer County, N.J.”

Customers reading Wednesday's Facebook post were surprised by the news, including Aubrey, who wrote, “Oh no. Sad to read this. We just dined in last week! You will be missed!!”