Posted on 20 June 2013 by La Habra Journal
By Lauren Harrity
La Habra Journal
Tucked away in the corner of the Palm Court shopping center on Imperial Highway is one of the gems of La Habra. Continental Deli, the family-owned German delicatessen, has been a fixture in La Habra for more than 20 years. Before, it resided in neighboring La Mirada for 29 years. The original owners, Katie and Roy Stuhlmueller, opened it as a celebration of their German roots and to bring the tastes of Germany to the people of Southern California.
But recently, after 50 years in business and suffering from ill health, Katie and Roy sold the Continental Deli. The new owner, Monica Geub, is no stranger to German heritage. Not only does she claim German ancestry, but she has also worked at a German bar and restaurant. Now that Geub owns Continental Deli, she is determined to have the German tradition live on. “There aren’t that many German places around anymore,” Geub said. In fact, Continental Deli is the only German deli in the area; the next closest place is in Anaheim. For those in the La Habra area who have a hankering for some Deutschland-style food or for those looking to try something new, Continental Deli offers everything from German meats, cheeses, breads and beer to traditional cold cut sandwiches. The potato salad, in particular, is very popular with the regulars. The deli is divided into a market area and a dining sector. The market is lined with a display case full of German meats like bratwursts and liverwursts, and pastries such as strudel and German chocolate. Along the opposite wall is a case of German beers and a table of tea cakes. Customers ordering at the counter can take their food home or to the neighboring dining area. The latter is currently adorned by a mural of the German countryside, but the new owner is looking to add a few things in the near future. “I plan on putting TVs in. It’s just a matter of time,” Geub said. “We’re very big into soccer and we will also be playing German DVDs, German music videos and have German music playing all the time.” The deli has a loyal fan base and Geub has already begun to receive new customers from her previous business. She also hopes to attract customers. “We cater to everybody,” Geub said. “I plan on just keeping the German tradition.” While many other businesses falter under new ownership, Continental Deli hopes to prevail by offering the traditional German foods loyal customers love while also bringing in updated touches to entice new clientele.
The Continental Deli is located at 1510 W. Imperial Hwy. and is open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Hours sometimes vary, so it is best to call ahead.
