Longtime Mount Laurel restaurant has served its last meal
MOUNT LAUREL – F&M Restaurant, Deli & Caterers, a fixture in the community for more than a half-century, announced recently on its Facebook page that it was closing its doors for good.
The announcement stated that longtime owner Joanne Schley was stepping away.
“Joanne is retiring. The family & staff at F&M would like to thank all of our customers for 55 wonderful years of business. Our last day of business will be Sunday Feb. 19,” the post read.
F&M was family
F&M, located in Roberts Mill Plaza on Church Road, was popular for its restaurant, deli and catering arm, which did many weddings and special events.
The initials of the business were for Schley’s brother, the late Felix Fezzuoglio, and their mother Maria, who passed in 2006. Mother and son founded the business in Mount Laurel, according to Felix’s 2010 obituary.
With proximity to Cherry Hill, Marlton, Maple Shade, Moorestown and the surrounding area, many found their way to the mainstay over the years.
Schley spoke with the Courier Post in 2021 as the eatery was preparing for the holidays. The family-owned business often prepared Jewish favorites from bagels to smoked fish to sandwiches. At the time, they were selling plenty of latkes or potato pancakes.
“We sell a lot, a great amount,” Schley said at the time. “We sell them all year round and people know how good they are because we make them homemade.”
Those from the area commented on the Facebook post after hearing the sad news.
What they said
“I just heard this conflicting news!!” Jeff Pribut shared. “Congrats Joanne you definitely deserve it!! But your family and restaurant has been not only a fixture in the community for so many years but a go to place for me for a quarter of a century!!"
“We've all missed Felix, Danny, your mom and Paul these last years," he continued. "Now to think we'll be without the rest of you is sad for us. It's always been a great place to visit ..feeling like home with you Gina, Patty, Ruby and everyone else. Where am I going to get my favorites...the grilled pastrami special, brisket or stuffed cabbage dinners....Good luck to you and retirement and everyone else and whatever they do going forward!!!”
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“Good luck to Joanne,” Jackie Romano wrote. “Thank you for all the wonderful years of delicious service!”
“Good luck in retirement and thank you for 55 years of service to the community (and that's no small feat!!),” wrote Dan Ninerell.
Catered wedding; great corned beef
Wrote Kerry Ferry-Anyzek: “So so sad!!! You catered my wedding 16 years ago in OCNJ. God Bless you all and happy retirement! It is well deserved!”
Lillian Arcinese Cleary added, “Sincere best wishes on your retirement. Remember your kindness and lovely smile since your Erlton days! Go enjoy yourself!”
Robert Taylor offered congratulations to Joanne on her retirement and said F&M deli will be missed.
“Their corned beef and pastrami is the best you will find anywhere,” he stated.
Celeste E. Whittaker is a news features reporter for the Courier Post, Daily Journal and Burlington County Times. The South Jersey native started at the CP in 1998 and has covered the Philadelphia 76ers, college and high school sports and has won numerous awards for her work. Reach her by email at cwhittaker@gannettnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: F&M Restaurant, Deli & Caterers Mount Laurel NJ closes after 55 years
