In 1968, a butcher from Queens, moved his wife and 4 kids to California.
In his ‘57 Chevy Sedan he packed his craft, his family, all the ambition in the world, and set out west. In an instant, they traded New York winters for Southern Californian sunshine and never looked back.
When Ben arrived in California he found a job as a butcher working for Vons. It was there that he met his future business partner Randy Womack. After a few months of friendship and planning these two young men vowed to leave Vons and start their own business on their terms.
On March 6 in the year 1969 a partnership was formed between Ben D’Aquila and Randy Womack on their first business venture. Ben and Randy opened their first small business, Meralta Meats in Downey, CA. A specialty meat and fish market where two young butchers began to share their passion and knowledge of craft with the world.
As the business continued they experimented with catering to their local community which sparked interest in the restaurant business and led them to a new path.
Construction began for the first Old World Delicatessen located on Azusa and Amar in West Covina, CA.
Old World Deli Opened it’s Azusa store in 1971.
February 1973, grand opening for the second Old World Delicatessen located on Euclid and Foothill Ave. in Upland, CA. Broasted Chicken was first introduced at this location.
August 20th, 1974 grand opening of the Laverne store located on Wheeler and Foothill Blvd.
The Laverne Store was sold in the year 1976 and partnership between Ben D’Aquila and Randy Romack was resolved. Randy Romack started a new venture pursuing various restaurant styles as Ben D’Aquila continued with Old World Delicatessen.
November 30, 1978 grand opening of the fourth Old World Delicatessen located on Hacienda Blvd in Hacienda Heights.
On November 15, 1979 grand opening of the fifth and largest Old World Delicatessen, located in Eastland Shopping Center on the corner of Citrus and Workman ave. This location remained in business from 1979 until April 2015 where it was relocated to our current Covina location off of Citrus Ave. in Shoppers Lane.
Ben D’Aquila two sons, Cosmo and Joe, committed to following in their father’s footsteps as owners of Old World Delicatessen.
Grand opening for City of Industry location off of Colima and Walnut hall. Store was successfully in business for 18 years.
December 2001, Grand opening of Upland store located off of Mountain Ave. and 8th Street in the Mountain Green Shopping Center.
Grand opening of our eighth and latest location in Covina, CA off of Citrus and Shoppers Lane.
These days, Ben’s two sons, Cosmo and Joe, have taken over for their father. Ben’s wife, Lia, has passed the books over to Virginia (their youngest), who now runs all of HR. And on occasion, their oldest daughter Maria fills in on catering and event planning.
Ben’s dream of opening his own restaurant and watching his family grow was blessed with 10 great grandchildren; many of which he watched play in the alley of the family restaurant.
Ben D’Aquila is the heart and soul of Old World Delicatessen.
Ben’s work ethic is truly rare, and a legacy we all try to live up to at the deli. At age 80, Ben is still a regular fixture at the shop assisting his two sons in their day to day routine(s) by overseeing the quality control of the kitchen prep.
He grinds beef and pork for homemade meatballs and sausage. He still, cuts, ties, and roasts our house roast beef. At Christmas, you will still find him stuffing cannolis with a grin on his face and handing out samples to customers.
Proof that the legacy Ben has created is just as inspirational in spirit as he is.
Ben often claims that without his wife of 60 years, Lia, none of this would have been possible. No stranger to the kitchen, many recipes and techniques of Old World Deli are a testimony to her heritage. Lia D’Aquila was born in Sicily in 1939, a survivor of World War II, she still remembers when the American soldiers arrived in Sicily throwing candy from their jeeps. In 1943 Lia and her mother boarded a boat to America where they would gain citizenship via ellis island.
Lia remains Ben’s best friend, collaborator, dreamer, and cheerleader. She continues her legacy as a loving mother, grandmother and friend to many. Lia finds joy in preparing family meals every opportunity she has welcoming all a seat at her table.
