Islanders: Chatting With Blue Line Deli Owner Donald Rosner

As bad as the New York Islanders season has been, UBS Arena is beautiful and offers a different viewing experience than most arenas in the NHL. The food amenities are great, and Huntington's Blue Line Deli partnered with Shaq's Big Chicken to have a unique sandwich called "The Islander".

I sat down and spoke with Blue Line Deli's owner, Donald Rosner.

1) Tell us about Blue Line Deli and what it is and what it stands for.

"Blue Line is an old school classic deli where we promote quality food, friendly service, cleanliness, and happy environment for anyone! Hockey fans are encouraged to wear their favorite team's gear and come talk hockey! For me, the best part is all of the charity collaborations we have done, you asked what we stand for.... being there for others, especially when someone is in need. We are not wealthy by any means, but I would give the shirt off my back to anyone who needed it. I'm not sure we have earned it just yet... but I want to get there. Community, Love, Positivity, Happiness, Support. That's what we believe in here."

Donald Rosner

2) Why do you think the deli has become successful?

"I think the deli has survived to this point because of how incredible this community is. Islander and hockey fans alike have kept us going here, along with the surrounding neighborhood and i would like to believe its because we have good food, good service and that the community believes in our message. It really goes right into my heart when I see our community come together for a common goal. There are so many people out there who want to help. It inspires me every day. "

Donald Rosner

3) Tell us about the new location you are opening up.

"So I am partnering up with my uncle and we are turning his shop in East Islip into a Blue Line Deli. Really looking forward to it! "

Donald Rosner

Islanders: Chatting With Blue Line Deli Owner Donald Rosner

4) How did you get into UBS Arena?

"I got into UBS Arena from years of working with the Islanders and a lot of money! I approached them about it shortly after they started building the arena. We had numerous meetings about it and after a lot of negotiations we reached an agreement."

Donald Rosner

5) How did the collaboration with Shaq come about?

"A few months back Big Chicken reached out and asked if i would be interested in working with them as they were looking to do a signature sandwich that had a New York flavor to it. I suggested that we put their chicken on our bagels, they liked the idea a lot, and I sent them bagels to their office in Vegas so they could experiment. A few months later I am standing next to Shaq discussing food! Pretty incredible !"

Donald Rosner

Do you think the Islanders will turn it around this year and make another Stanley Cup run?

"13 game road trip, half the team out with Covid and injury, a new home with all new situations to adjust to.... I think this team will be fine. It was a very weird start for them, and i really do believe that they are going to make the playoffs this year and compete for the cup. I think they are just starting to get into their groove now. We have the best coach in the world, he will get them going! "

Donald Rosner

You can head over to Blue Line Deli in Huntington at 719 W Jericho Turnpike. Make sure you check out "The Islander" sandwich next time you are at UBS Arena too!