Some of the best family stories begin with a leap of faith.
For Lou and Joann Napolitano, that leap came in 1978 when they invested their wedding money into opening Hickory Tree Delicatessen.
With support from Steph’s grandfather, who helped purchase the business, they took a chance that would shape the Chatham community for generations. In those early years, all four of Steph’s grandparents worked alongside her parents, helping build the deli through hard work, homemade food, familiar faces, and relationships. Nearly five decades later, Hickory Tree remains a cornerstone of the community, with the next generation carrying on the tradition.
Ironically, taking over the family business was never part of the plan.
For Steph Mejia, daughter of Lou and Joann, and her husband, John Mejia, their future seemed headed in a different direction. John spent years traveling for corporate America while Steph pursued her own career.
“It wasn't in the cards,” they recalled.
But in 2010, they made the life-changing decision to leave their careers and work alongside Steph’s parents, learning every aspect of the deli with the goal of carrying on the family legacy.
Shortly after, they purchased their first home and learned they were expecting their first child. Over the next decade, they prepared to take the reins.
That day came in January 2020, when Steph’s father retired and Steph and John officially purchased Hickory Tree Delicatessen. With two young children at home, they were settling into business ownership when, months later, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Balancing new ownership, homeschooling, and unprecedented challenges, they remained committed to preserving what generations of customers loved while adapting to the community’s changing needs.
“We didn't reinvent the wheel,” they explained.
Instead, they made thoughtful changes as the neighborhood evolved. Menu offerings expanded, seasonal favorites shifted, and Steph embraced the creative side of the business, developing new salads, sandwiches, and prepared meals. Every recipe is tested by the team, balancing creativity with the practicality of a busy lunch rush.
Family has always been the heartbeat of Hickory Tree Delicatessen.
Steph grew up working alongside her parents. Her grandparents helped in the deli’s early years, and today, Steph and John’s children spend summers pitching in. Their nephew has joined the team as well, continuing the tradition of younger generations learning the value of hard work behind the counter.
That sense of family extends beyond their relatives. Their employees have become like family, and many customers have too.
Over nearly 50 years, Hickory Tree has watched children become parents and parents become grandparents. Regulars rarely need to order before someone behind the counter knows what they’re having. The deli has celebrated milestones, supported local schools and sports teams, and built friendships that stretch far beyond lunchtime. For decades, those relationships have made Hickory Tree more than a deli; it’s a place where generations gather, and friendships grow.
For John, those relationships make the business special. He enjoys seeing familiar faces and watching local families grow. For Steph, the joy comes from the kitchen, creating recipes and finding fresh ways to serve the community she has always called home. Together, their different passions have created the perfect partnership.
Wondering what to order? I asked some locals, and favorites included the North Jersey Sloppy Joe, Hickory Burrito, Turkey Sloppy Joe, Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese on a Roll, and just about every panini.
When asked for his recommendation, John didn't hesitate. “I love our roast beef. I think it's one of the best around. I could eat roast beef every day.”
Beyond the sandwiches, Hickory Tree has become part of life’s everyday moments. Families stop in before school, neighbors catch up over lunch, and customers who first visited as children now return with kids of their own.
Nearly 50 years after Lou and Joann unlocked the doors, Hickory Tree Delicatessen continues to prove that the strongest businesses aren't just built on recipes; they're built by family.
Family has always been the heartbeat of Hickory Tree Delicatessen.
I love the relationships I've built in this place. Watching kids grow up, seeing them come back with families of their own, and connecting generations—that's what I enjoy most about this job.