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ANDOVER, Ohio – Westside Deli has announced that this will be its final week of operation at the historic Covered Bridge location, with Friday, January 23, 2026, marking the last day the business will serve customers there. Owners Rick and Tammy shared the news in an emotional message to the community, citing both financial and personal challenges that made continuing operations impossible.
The Westside Deli closure comes after months of effort to revive the space and bring new life to the bridge. But according to Rick, two major obstacles ultimately proved insurmountable.
Costly Ventilation Requirements Derailed Plans
One of the primary challenges involved meeting building department requirements for a hood system with an Ansel fire suppression setup. Rick said he already owned a hood system and initially believed installation would be straightforward. Instead, building officials required engineer‑stamped blueprints and installation by a licensed, insured company.
After securing three estimates, the lowest came in at $60,000, driven by the structural complexity of the Covered Bridge building. Additional equipment would add roughly $10,000 to the total. Without the ventilation system, the deli was not permitted to cook inside the facility, making full operation and profitability impossible.
Owner Facing Eye Surgery
The second issue is a pressing medical concern. Rick shared that he has an eye disease requiring surgery to prevent loss of vision. With future appointments and treatment in Cleveland, he said it would be unfair to expect Tammy to manage the business alone while also helping him navigate his recovery.
Building Owner to Resume Control
After meeting with the building’s owner and explaining the situation, Rick said the owner was understanding and will take back control of the Covered Bridge on January 26. The couple expressed hope that someone will eventually reopen the space so the effort they put into restoring and reopening it will not be lost.
Gratitude for Community Support
Rick and Tammy offered a heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who supported Westside Deli, including friends Jess and Johnny, who worked long hours preparing the building for opening. They encouraged community members to stop in this week to say hello and goodbye during their final days in operation.