Shaq Teams with NY Islanders Fan for a Dream Sandwich
Most of us find it really cool when we hear of someone living their dream. When they can mix their dream job with their favorite sports team, that is even cooler. I interviewed Donald Rosner about a year ago. I had read about his business and wanted to talk to him about it. I found out that he was living his dream and it just got even cooler.
Donald is the owrer of the Blue Line Deli in Huntington. His family owns Bagel Boss, a Long Island bagel chain that pretty much knocks it out of the park at every location. In March of 2020, no I am not kidding you, Donald Rosner decided to take his family knowhow and go out on his own. Just as the pandemic started, he opened his "New York Islander themed", The Blue Line Deli. Rosner is a huge Islanders fan and huge is probably an understatement.
Rosner was creative during the COVID 19 pandemic. He reached out to the New York Islanders front office and teamed up with the NHL franchise to create events at his deli that provided a community connection to the team's fanbase when no fans were allowed in the games.
The Islanders' ownership didn't forget their friend on Jericho Turnpike when they were designing their brand new home, the UBS Arena at Belmont Park. There will be a Blue Line Deli for fans enjoy every game as part of, what is described as the most spectacular hockey arena in the NHL. The Islanders first home game of the season will be on Saturday November 20the against Calgary. That is so cool but it gets even better.
According to an article by Nick Esposito of greaterlongisland.com, Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time NBA champion wanted to team up with Mr. Rosner and the Blue Line Deli. Esposito reported that "O’Neal is bringing his Big Chicken fast-casual restaurant concept to Elmont. The Basketball Hall of Famer and business mogul wanted a special sandwich on the menu that was Long Island-style"
"Thus, Big Chicken’s “Islander” sandwich was born. It’s a crispy chicken sandwich topped with cream cheese and blue cheese on a blue and orange colored bagel." The blue and orange bagel are a staple of the Blue Line Deli and will be provided by Rosner. Shaq to the greaterhuntington.com “They are really good, I’m amazed how he can make them that pretty blue and orange.” Congratulations to Donald Rosner. He is a good guy and it is so cool to see him living his dreams. Donald will join The Drive with Charlie & Dan this week to talk about his new location.