Saratoga deli scaling back meal distribution due to rising costs

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local deli that's made it a point to give back to the community every holiday season needs to scale back its efforts a little this year. Holiday meals will still be given out by a popular Saratoga deli, but as the owner tells NEWS10, it was harder to pull off this year because of rising costs.

Daniel Chessare is the man behind the deli counter at Saratoga's Broadway Deli in the heart of downtown Saratoga.

Chessare, who has owned the establishment for the last 6.5 years, is able to whip up anything and everything on the menu. "Feeding people has always just been my love language."

Since 2020, he has helped feed the community with free chicken dinners each week during the months of November and December. It's an effort that started during the pandemic. "Pandemic wasn't actually terrible for us. We did a lot for the community, and they came out and supported the business," he explained.

But in 2024, things are different, and he's had to cut back.

"I felt really bad pulling the entire program this year," he went on to explain. "Our food cost is crazy, and we didn't raise our prices to match inflation."

As inflation and the cost of repairs sliced into profits, Chessare had to rethink their weekly dinner giveaways. "I was like, at least we can provide holiday meals. Even if I can't provide meals every week," he said.

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, his restaurant will be giving away up to two roast chickens per family. Thanks to generous donations received through the community, Chessare will also provide sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Chessare added, "The food insecurity doesn't end. If our costs are going up, their costs are going up."

So he hopes to make the holidays a little easier as he gets prepped for a fifth year of giving away meals for the holiday season.

The restaurant will take Thanksgiving orders until November 24. Christmas dinner orders have to be in by Dec. 22. You can call the deli directly at 518-682-3416.