The Plainview community staple Regal Kosher Deli will stay open after it was announced that it was going to close.

It's almost inconceivable how many knishes, pastrami sandwiches and other kosher delicacies have been served at the Regal. So when news spread that it was going to close, residents were understandably upset.

However, a new owner has just stepped forward to keep the Regal alive. It was welcome news to the community after several other restaurants in the area decided to shut down. Regal has been open in Plainview for 56 years.

"It was kind of time in my eyes to say goodbye and go out on a high," said Regal Deli owner Sharri Banks, who cited the economy, food costs and labor issues as reasons she considered shutting it down.

But then Banks said her head chef for 32 years, William Diaz, said he would buy the business to keep the Kosher delicatessen open.

"All my customers come in here, they see me, they know me. I feel happy when all the customers are happy, that the business is going to continue to be open," Diaz enthused.

Customers were delighted to hear it was open. Many had rushed to the deli on Sunday to get one last plate of classic Kosher deli cooking.

"This could have been a sad story. It could have been horrible. It would probably be an empty building for years and we don't really need any more empty buildings," said Rick Lewis, of the Mid-Island YJCC.

Ken James, a self-described deli aficionado, drove 40 miles from Westhampton Beach to try the Regal and is happy it will survive.

"A lot of them are closing, not many left, so to me it's a thrill that they're here and I have a place to come," James said.

Diaz says the recipes won’t be changing. Banks said she's passing the torch over to the most qualified person.

"He's been here since he's 16. He knows every recipe more than I do. If I didn't have him, I couldn't be in business put it that way," Banks said, referring to Diaz.

Banks said all 10 employees will be staying on and that's she'll help Diaz with the transition to ensure Regal keeps customers happy.