Terry’s - Beloved Deli of Stuyvesant Community Closes

On February 21, Terry’s closed after 25 years of serving the Stuyvesant community and being beloved by many students. The news broke when Terry’s displayed a notice on their window to announce their shutdown, saying “it was a very difficult decision for us to make, but it’s one that needed to be made.”

Offering a variety of sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and other items, Terry’s has long been a staple of Stuyvesant life, located just a minute walk out the front door of the school. Countless customers, including loyal Stuyvesant faculty and students, have complimented the eatery for their delicious food, welcoming staff, and reasonable prices. Often bustling with Stuyvesant students, the deli has served as a favorite hangout spot to grab lunch or an afterschool meal with friends.

Late last year, Terry’s faced a similar situation when they were on the brink of a permanent closure. On November 11, the store’s owners announced the closure of the deli due to long-term economic problems from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to dwindling customers during the lockdown and inflation skyrocketing after the pandemic, it was difficult for small businesses like Terry’s to gain enough revenue without dramatically increasing prices. Even after long negotiations with the landlord, the final day of their 2024 lease arrived, and they had no choice but to announce that they were shutting down. However, at the last minute, the owner’s attorney was able to work out a deal to tentatively keep Terry’s open. After around three more months of operation, Terry’s closed for good.

The quality and menu options were a driving force behind the loyalty of student customers of the deli. Many students expressed their disappointment when they heard about the store’s closing last month, knowing they would lose some of their favorite food items forever. “I was depressed, because where else are you going to get a good Spicy Chicken Sandwich?” sophomore and regular at the deli Freida Kuehlmann said.

Terry’s was also beloved for its kind staff behind the counter, who greeted customers with a smile every day. “I hope they return someday because they were also very nice to me,” sophomore Evelyn Lifton said. Not only was the kindness of Terry’s employees respected, but their efficiency was too, ensuring that food was made for students in a timely and enjoyable manner.

Although the immediate reaction to Terry’s permanent closure was one of sadness, different reactions also began to emerge. “The tragedy was kind of offset because they threatened to close before, so then it didn’t feel as bad when they actually closed. We were also on break when they closed, so I didn't know, but I guess it’s sad,” freshman Emily Harsono said. Although unfortunate, the temporary closure of Terry’s in November helped Stuyvesant students prepare for this eventual, permanent closure.

In addition, many students have maintained positive outlooks about finding a successor to Terry’s. “I go to Olive Deli Branch, I go to the new deli, and I also go to Ferry’s,” sophomore Christiana Cen said. With the abundance of eateries around the school, the shutdown offers an opportunity for once-loyal patrons to expand and try new places.

However, students have also expressed their disapproval of higher pricing from other stores. Affordable prices from Terry’s were treasured by students, who now must shop at more expensive eateries. “If Ferry’s could lower their prices, that would be nice,” Harsono said. 

With one of the most popular delis being out of business, the shutdown of Terry’s could incentivize other stores to drive their prices up even further. “[The alternatives will be] more expensive, and without competition. [I] expect prices to rise further,” said history teacher Eric Barry.

As the deli remains out of business, students can only reminisce about the food and memories they had at Terry’s. “I was depressed for a good week—I couldn’t eat my mac and cheese pizza bagel anymore,” Cen said. Whether it was during lunch or grabbing a bite with friends after school, students had smiles on their faces as a result of the delicious food from Terry’s, and the deli was a defining part of Stuyvesant. “No one can ever replace Terry’s,” Cen said.