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When B.J. Pumpernickel's restaurant closes its doors Jan. 2, patrons say they will lose more than an Olney landmark and a New York-style deli experience.

They will lose owner Barry Schwartz, who is known for his unparalleled generosity to the community.

"He captured the hearts of all people because they knew that he cared for and loved them," long-time Olney resident and community leader Delmas Wood said. "He was a friend to all people and he never met a stranger. He has given his all to this community and I do not believe he will ever be replaced."

Schwartz and his lifelong friend Jerry Gurewitz opened the restaurant in the Olney Town Center shopping center in 1989.

Since then, the restaurant has donated or helped to raise more than $10 million for organizations and individuals within the greater Olney community, Schwartz said. Of that amount, not one penny was ever claimed as a business write-off, he added.

"That to me is a great accomplishment," he said. "I consider Olney to be my community, and we're not just here to take money out of the community, we need to put some back in to it."

Some of the major beneficiaries include the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, the Montgomery County Police satellite station in Olney, as well as local churches, synagogues and schools.

"The list is endless," Schwartz said. "We tried to help everyone that asked."

Gurewitz retired seven years ago and since that time, Schwartz said he has slowed down a little.

"We're still giving, but without the fanfare," he said.

Schwartz has been a part of most major community events, including Olney Days, Olney Community Night, National Night Out, Joe's Ride and Bita's Run.

However, he said that Montgomery General Hospital (MGH) has been his "primo" charity.

"We are so lucky to have a community hospital," he said. "We are happy to do what we can for it."

MGH has been lucky to have Schwartz, as well, officials there said.

"The great food and entertainment provided by Barry is an added bonus to the endless support and generosity that B.J. Pumpernickel's has provided to MGH and other local, worthwhile establishments through the years," Montgomery General President Pete Monge said.

Debbie Harner, director of the MGH Health Foundation, echoed Monge's sentiments, saying Schwartz has been "generous of his time, endless with his energy and insurmountable with his loyalty to the hospital."

Other community leaders and local residents are lamenting the news of the restaurant's closing.

"Pumpernickel's has been an institution in Olney for a great number of years," Greater Olney Civic Association (GOCA) President Sharon Dooley said. "When it closes, it will be missed by Olney residents and almost every cause in Olney."

Schwartz and Gurewitz received many awards and honors over the years, including GOCA's Citizen of the Year in 1992 and Contribution to the Community in 1997. They were named the Olney Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year in 1992 and again in 1998.

Schwartz is always looking for way to make the community better, Olney Chamber Director Virginia Mauk said.

"He has set an example to other business owners, showing them what it means to be part of a community," she added. "The Olney area is what it is today because of the example Barry has shown and because of his generosity. You can always count on him.  He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed by the business community."

To its many regular patrons, Pumpernickel's is more than just a restaurant.

Olney resident Meredith Shaw has dined there each day for 20 years. He eats breakfast there each morning and oftentimes has dinner there, as well.

"For much of Olney and the surrounding area, it is an extension of our homes, a home away from home," he said. "It is one of the hubs of the Olney community and the proprietor, Barry Schwartz, is one of the pillars of the community who contributes mightily to every worthy cause which comes his way."

Shaw said that while there are other restaurants around, he would miss having a sit-down restaurant where a waitress pours his coffee each morning.

"I like the people and I like the food, so it's just a damn shame," he said. "I am not sure where I will go when it closes. I guess I will just have to go further out of the community."

Difficult decisions

Michael T. Reilly, vice president and general manager of Carl M. Freeman Companies Commercial Real Estate Division, which owns Olney Town Center, said Schwartz and the landlord reached an agreement on B.J. Pumpernickel's lease, which was up for renewal.

"After looking at several options relating to relocating his business to one of our other properties and after significant consideration, Barry thought it best to close," he said. "We have enjoyed a great relationship with him and glad we were able to come to an agreement that makes sense."

Reilly said Freeman still plans to redevelop the shopping center. Plans call for a Harris Teeter grocery store to occupy the western portion of the shopping, which B.J. Pumpernickel's has anchored.

"Ultimately, if our plans to redevelop the shopping center fall into place like we hope and expect them to, it would have been necessary for Barry to relocate," Reilly said. "This just happened to coincide with the end of his 20-year lease."

Schwartz says he understands Freeman's position and believes they have been very kind to him.

Schwartz is very concerned about his employees, many whom have been with him since the day the restaurant opened.

"We have very little turnover," he said. "I've watched these kids grow up, get married and have families. They're all very good people, so this really breaks me up."

He promised to help each of them find new jobs.

Schwartz, 66, said that while the decision was a difficult one, the timing is actually good.

He has some personal issues to tend to and will spend the first few months of next year re-evaluating his options.

"While we are unclear as to whether we will reopen in the future, we are clear that after 20 years, a vacation is long overdue," he said. "During some much-needed relaxation time, we will think about what is in store for B.J. Pumpernickel's in the future."

He said the Freeman Companies has offered to hold a spot in the Olney Village Center next door so that he could possibly re-open a catering kitchen and restaurant.

Schwartz said he would welcome a partner to help run the business and will continue to explore that option.

But for now, he is focusing on saying a proper goodbye — and helping his loyal patrons get their fix of corned beef on rye, pickles and matzo ball soup.

"It's a long ride to New York, so get it in your neighborhood while you can," he said.