BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — After six years in business, Sterling’s Amish Deli in downtown Bowling Green has announced plans to close for good in the coming weeks.
Owner, Steven Sterling, shared the news in a January 11 Facebook post, saying the decision came after years of hard work and financial challenges. In the post, Sterling reflected on transforming the long-standing “Taste of Amish Deli” into Sterling’s Amish Deli after purchasing the business from founder Lori Hanway in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Hanway, who operated the deli for more than a decade, had stepped away following the tragic loss of her son. Sterling, who once helped with deliveries during his college years, said reopening the deli was an emotional effort, one rooted in honoring Hanway’s legacy and serving Bowling Green’s college community.
“Well over $100,000 and two remodels later, the deli became what it is today,” Sterling wrote, recalling countless hours spent renovating the former downtown space with family and friends. Despite the investment and community spirit, Sterling said customer turnout never reached sustainable levels.
“Nobody knows what an Amish deli is, and frankly, after six years of running one, neither do I,” he said in the post. “Owning an Amish deli was never my dream — it was Lori’s. It’s time to write my OWN story.”
Sterling thanked loyal customers and friends who supported the business since its reopening, inviting the public to visit one last time before the deli closes its doors permanently later this winter.
Sterling’s Amish Deli, known for its sandwiches, baked goods, and late-night offerings aimed at Bowling Green State University students, has been a niche staple of the downtown food scene since its relaunch.
No final closing date has been announced.
