Cambridge’s S&S Deli is set to close in June, wrapping up a 107-year run in Inman Square, the owner confirmed. The family-run counter at 1334 Cambridge St. has been a neighborhood staple since 1919, feeding students, neighbors and commuters across generations. Owner Gary Mitchell, who says he started working behind the counter at age 12, says he is ready to move on to other projects.
As reported by The Boston Globe, Mitchell confirmed the last day will be in June and said, "I'm proud of the chapters behind us and looking forward to what's next." The Globe also notes that the business "has been in my family for 107 years," and includes archival staff photos that underline the deli’s deep local roots.
A neighborhood fixture since 1919
The deli traces its origins to 1919 and takes its name from Rebecca "Ma" Edelstein’s Yiddish refrain "es and es," meaning "eat and eat," according to the S&S Restaurant website. That site, which lays out menus and catering history, highlights a multigenerational family operation that has adjusted as Inman Square has evolved around it. Neighborhood write-ups have long pointed to S&S as one of the square’s most enduring anchors.
What generations of customers ordered
Regulars have flocked to the counter for old-school deli staples - Reubens, knishes and matzo-ball soup among them - dishes that continue to surface on local dining roundups. Eater Boston and other guides have flagged the shop as a reliable, no-drama lunch destination. For many, the steady menu and sense of continuity were as important as any specific sandwich.
Owner's message and the unknown next step
Mitchell told The Boston Globe that he understands how attached patrons are and said it is time to "make time for other restaurants," while declining to spell out what those next projects might be. He emphasized his pride in the deli's long run and thanked customers and staff for decades of support. The announcement leaves open what will happen with the 1334 Cambridge St. space and when a new tenant could appear.
The closing will mark the end of an era for Inman Square, where long-running businesses help define the neighborhood’s feel as much as any crosswalk or bus stop. Customers hoping for a final visit are advised to watch the deli's hours as the last service days in June approach and to expect the familiar menu until the doors close.
