Bigger is not always better when quality food and time matter. Mike Crowley and Barry Friedman found that out after they opened a new deli last year.

"This is like retirement for us," Crowley, co-owner of Mike & Barry's Deli, said.

"The hours are better. The location is perfect because it's right near where a lot of our other customers came from." 

He and Friedman owned the Briggs Chaney Deli until they sold it in 2005. Crowley describes that business as a lot more stressful. They left the beer, wine, cigarettes and lottery tickets behind to concentrate on the food at their new eatery located in the Meadows Corporate Park II in Calverton.

"We make stuff here that we didn't make before like cooking our own roast beef," Crowley explains. "Cooking our own chicken for salad and sandwiches."

The deli is on the first floor inside the office building at 12510 Prosperity Drive near Route 29 at Cherry Hill Road. The outside entrance is actually to the right of the main lobby doors, but difficult to see from the front parking lot of 12510. Loyal patrons still sought Mike & Barry's out once they got the word that the two restaurateurs were back in business.

"The food is always good, never disappointing," says Cathy Schultheis, a longtime customer.

The retired insurance agent postponed her lunch break to pick up her favorite tuna salad sandwich after going to a nearby appointment.

"There is no better anywhere around, no matter how expensive the deli," says Schultheis.

She and former co-workers used to order tuna sandwiches from the Briggs Chaney Deli every Friday. Schultheis and her husband now stop by on Saturdays for his favorite liverwurst sandwich.

"Probably, 50 percent of the people who come here I know by name. You get closer to the people and it's just a real nice clientele," adds Crowley.

The deli's affordable sandwiches and subs also attract area workers and high school students. The breakfast and lunch menus feature deli specialties like lox and cream cheese on a bagel for $6.99 and Reuben sandwiches with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island Dressing for $6.49. Two scoops of chicken, tuna, shrimp or egg salad on a platter sell for $5.69.

A hot sub called the Ivan is a hit with Paul Sotak and other young customers. He describes the deli as a good place to eat.

"You've got to get the Ivan," says Sotak "It's got turkey, bacon, different types of cheeses. It's got vinegar, oil, mayonnaise, all that."

Hot subs are priced at $4.99 to $6.49. The deli also sells quarter pound hamburgers for $3.39 and all beef hot dogs for $2.29.  The chili with cheese, onions and chips costs $4.99

If you have room for dessert, you can choose from a selection of fresh cheesecakes, pies, ice cream pies, brownies or cookies for $.99 to $2.69.

Mike & Barry's Deli is open Monday through Saturday.