08/15/2026
Posting for our friends over at Centre Deli
Some businesses become so woven into a community that it's hard to imagine the town without them. Centre Deli in Chelmsford is one of those places.
The story starts with the man who started it all, Anthony, better known as Tony.
Born and raised in Tufo, Italy, Tony came to America at just nine years old. From an early age, he understood that food was about more than a meal. In his family, cooking brought people together, created memories, and kept family close.
When Tony moved to America, he carried those traditions with him and dreamed of creating an Italian deli where he could share them with his new community. In 1973, that dream became a reality when he opened Centre Deli in Chelmsford.
With his family by his side, Tony built the business around Italian home cooking, fresh deli meats, hearty sandwiches, and the simple belief that good food is meant to be shared. What started as a dream quickly became a part of the Chelmsford community.
Now, more than 50 years later, that tradition continues with four generations of the family having worked together at Centre Deli. What Tony created has become more than a deli. It has become a community staple and a family legacy.
Generations of Chelmsford families have walked through those doors for lunch, dinner, a sandwich, or something to bring home. And while a lot has changed over five decades, the heart of Center Deli remains the same.
There's still a chance you'll see Tony himself when you walk through the door. If you do, you may hear the greeting that has become part of his legacy:
“Welcome Aboard!”
More than 50 years later, Tony's vision of family, good food, and bringing people together is still alive
That's more than a business.
That's a legacy.
