The closing of Walters Hardware opens a door for D&F Deli in Astoria

Walters Hardware, an old-fashioned hardware store started by Martin Walter at the end of The Depression – they had been in business in the neighborhood for over 70 years – closed its doors in late 2011. Here’s a shot of the storefront in all its retro glory – this signage hadn’t changed at all over the decades:

Image source: Observations from the Melting Pot

According to a posting by the grandson of Martin Walter himself, states the following on a local message board:

I am a grandson of Martin Walters and unfortunately I can confirm that after 70 plus years the store has closed.  The store could no longer survive on the sales of light bulbs and keys. There is no longer a need for the tools and parts that would bring in the revenue needed to pay the bills.  Our last tenant was forced to close the doors at the end of 2011.

People in the neighborhood are sorry to see the place close, and as they say “it’s the end of an era.”

Just a few doors down is D&F deli, whose windows have been papered up for a little while. Good news – they are not closing, but are moving into the old Walters Hardware store space. We had heard a rumor about this a little while back, but this weekend we spotted this sign on the window that confirmed it:

D&F also has a pretty cool look to them currently. We wonder if and how they will change their look once they are in the new space.

This deli is known for their terrific sandwiches, homemade mozzarella, and delicious hand breaded chicken cutlets. Their new location will be at 35-17 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 (GMAP). We look forward to their re-opening very soon.