Senior Dane Huber said: “It was important to Westfield because it has been one food chain that has been able to stay open in Westfield for a very long time. Westfield is not an easy place for [a] business to stay long.”

Many WHS students share mixed perspectives regarding the abrupt departure of the iconic chain restaurant. Said senior Sarah Russo: “Windmill was the heart and soul of everyone’s middle school days. It meant a lot to the community.”

Huber added that it is “disappointing that Windmill is closed. Windmill was an ideal location for a pre-movie meal and had the best fries in town.” Huber said that he fears that it will be difficult for a deli to survive with the competition of other delis in town.

However, many students welcome the new deli, including junior Danny Mitchell. “With a new deli comes a change of pace from going to the same few places for lunch. It is exciting to think that this might be my new favorite place to eat,” said Mitchell.

At the new deli, customers can expect “delicious food, great service and a quiet place to eat in a comfortable setting in an otherwise busy part of [town],” according to NY 8th Ave. Deli Employee Alex Burgos. Though the deli’s menu is currently not finalized, it will feature approximately 30 sandwiches and other options on the menu, according to Burgos.