As you walk into Dock Deli at 615 Milton Road, in the mini mall across from the Boat Basin, and are greeted warmly — as always — by owners Neil and Maggie Pinsker, it’s hard to believe the devastation Sandy caused this Rye landmark.

By Peter Jovanovich

 

As you walk into Dock Deli at 615 Milton Road, in the mini mall across from the Boat Basin, and are greeted warmly — as always — by owners Neil and Maggie Pinsker, it’s hard to believe the devastation Sandy caused this Rye landmark.

 

“Over 90 percent of our equipment and all of our products were destroyed,” says Neil. “The water rose to four feet inside the store. After experiencing floods for nearly a quarter-century, Sandy was the worst by far.”

 

And yet, with the help of loyal customers like Andy Bodnar and Davey Conway, the cleanup began almost as soon as the floodwaters receded. The Deli had to rip out and replace all the drywall that was damaged, and buy all new furniture, kitchen equipment, refrigerator units, and more.

 

“Maggie headed the effort,” said Neil, “and the only thing that held us up was the availability, as delis and restaurants throughout the metropolitan area were trying to replace damaged equipment.”

 

But what really brought them back, after being closed almost a month, was “our loyal customer base. They’re fantastic.”

 

What part of Dock Deli survived the flood intact?

 

“Me, Maggie, and our customers.”