Beloved Camden County deli serves up a crowd after copper pipe theft shutters business

SOMERDALE, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Camden County deli is back open and serving customers again, 10 days after copper theft set the small business back $20,000.

The refrigeration system was deliberately damaged, forcing the business to throw out all of its deli meats and make repairs.

But on Thursday, phones were ringing and shelves were restocked as Somerdale Cold Cuts resumed operations along North Warwick Road in Somerdale, New Jersey.

RELATED: NJ business temporarily closes after copper theft spoils thousands in food

A Camden County deli that was forced to close after a copper pipe theft left food spoiled reopened to the community on Thursday.

Loyal customers quickly returned, celebrating what the owner called a long-awaited moment for the small business.

"I'm very proud of this business and I've been coming here for many years," said Tara Rossiter of Blackwood, New Jersey.

Owner Johnny "Gabagool" Aubrey said the damage totaled more than $20,000 after someone stole copper piping from multiple refrigeration units.

"Somebody came here and cut the pipes on a refrigeration unit and our deli case unit and made the walk-in boxes warm, we had to throw all the deli meats out," Aubrey said.

Rossiter said the deli's reopening feels like a neighborhood victory.

"Everyone knows everybody here, it's like 'Cheers' like the TV show! Everybody knows everybody's name," she said.

Aubrey said he is focused on returning to the work he loves and serving the community. It's something his family has done for 50 years.

Police continue to investigate the incident.