Brief
Bruce Blakeman’s New York deli names sandwich after him as he pledges cheaper lunches
Mario’s Meats & Gourmet Deli in Queens introduced a $15 turkey sandwich named for candidate Bruce Blakeman, who said he would lower the cost if he wins the November 3 election.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Mario’s Meats & Gourmet Deli in Flushing, Queens unveiled a new turkey sandwich called “The Blakeman” on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, naming it after Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. The sandwich, which includes roasted turkey, shredded lettuce, oil‑and‑vinegar vinaigrette and spicy deli mustard on a hero, is priced at $15.
Blakeman told the deli’s owner, Joe Digangi, that if he is elected governor on Nov. 3, he will reduce the sandwich’s price to $12, saying the state must make lunch more affordable. His campaign released a statement linking the price issue to rising operating costs for small businesses, citing higher electricity, gas, labor, insurance and rent bills.
Digangi said the deli has faced “ridiculous” summer utility bills, costing $4,000‑$5,000 a month, and welcomed Blakeman’s focus on energy costs. The event was framed as a media stunt to highlight the “hard‑to‑stomach” cost of lunch for neighborhood delis compared with five years ago, when Gov. Kathy Hochul took office.
Key facts
- The sandwich "The Blakeman" costs $15 at Mario’s Meats & Gourmet Deli. (nypost.com)
- Bruce Blakeman promised to lower the price to $12 if elected governor. (nypost.com)
- The deli owner cited $4,000‑$5,000 monthly utility bills as a major cost pressure. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “NYC deli names sandwich after GOP governor candidate Bruce Blakeman as he vows to bring down sky-high cost of lunch”
