Downtown Burgaw just gained a delicious new reason to stop by—the town’s latest eatery. Junior’s Deli, a fresh marketplace-style deli serving up homemade sandwiches and locally sourced ingredients, officially opened its doors on Fremont Street. The deli marks a triumphant moment for Vincent Mangual, who finished as runner-up in Burgaw’s high-profile “Own Your Own” restaurant competition.
That nationwide contest, launched in late 2022 by Wilmington entrepreneur Richard Johnson, offered an ambitious $1 million prize and a downtown Burgaw location for the winning chef. Around 500 hopefuls applied, narrowing down through interviews, community cook-offs, and business presentations to just two finalists: Karoline Schwartz and Mangual. Though Schwartz won, she later stepped back from the project—clearing the way for Mangual to bring his dream deli to life in Burgaw’s historic Antiques on the Square building.
Mangual’s vision for Junior’s Deli blends hustle with heart: expect New York-style deli flair, freshly baked bread, grab-and-go items, and a welcoming vibe that reflects both his journey and Burgaw’s warm embrace. Since opening through a soft start a couple of weeks ago, the deli has sold more than 150 sandwiches on average each day—a strong welcome from the community.
Johnson, the entrepreneur behind the concept, isn’t new to this. He first fell in love with Burgaw in 2016 after purchasing nearby farmland and noticing a downtown in need of life and foot traffic. He launched Burgaw Now, a revitalization push that brought new energy to town through businesses like Fat Daddy’s Pizzeria and Burgaw Brewing—his earlier ventures that helped reawaken the historic town center.
Through Own Your Own, Johnson sought to transform Burgaw into a culinary destination. While Schwartz is developing her Southern-inspired farm-to-table concept for Courthouse Avenue, Mangual’s deli offers a more casual, community-centered flavor right across town.
Seeing these businesses take root in the district is also a celebration of Burgaw’s heritage. The town’s historic district spans approximately 57 acres and features Gothic Revival and Queen Anne architecture dating from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries—a reminder of the town’s long, rich history and the new chapters being written today.
For locals and visitors alike, Junior’s Deli isn’t just a great place to grab a bite—it’s a symbol of new opportunities, community support, and how inventive ideas can transform a historic town. With competition-built dreams and a community willing to rally behind them, Burgaw’s downtown is serving up more than food—it’s offering inspiration.