Patrons of Fingerlakes Mall in Aurelius will have one less choice for food later this week.

The Corner Deli, a restaurant that serves various sandwiches, hamburgers and other finger food, will close Thursday. The delicatessen has been located in the mall for more than two decades.

A supervising manager working at the deli Tuesday confirmed that the establishment is closing, but declined to comment further on the closing.

Eli Delgado, manager of nearby Rex Appliances, said he believes the absence of the restaurant will leave a “huge hole” in the mall's food court. He, along with many store employees and other mall workers, have frequented the Corner Deli for years

“It has been a staple of this mall,” Delgado said. “It is the only place you can get a burger or a chicken salad.”

Though he could not speak specifically for the deli, Delgado said a slowing economy may have had a role in the closure. The prices have remained steady at the Corner Deli, even as food prices have risen in recent years, he said.

“The economy has had a big impact at all the stores in the area,” Delgado said.

Past reports in The Citizen indicate that the restaurant has operated since at least 1983. The vendor almost left in 1999, but stayed after mall employees and customers signed a petition supporting the establishment.

Representatives from the Fingerlakes Mall management office did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday.