When the M train pulls into the Metropolitan Avenue station in Middle Village, Queens, it has completed a 70-minute journey from the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station, also in Queens, just a few miles away. On the way, it passes through Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods. 

Leaving the station, the Manhattan skyline is the backdrop. A half-mile away is the busy Metroplitan Avenue business district, where visitors can find Mario's Meats and Gourmet Deli. 

What You Need To Know

  • The M train travels from Forest Hills, Queens through Manhattan and Brooklyn and then back to Middle Village, Queens

  • Metropolitan Avenue is Middle Village's business district 

  • The start and end points for the M line are only a few miles away

The store is owned by Joe DiGangi, whose late father Mario opened the place 42 years ago. DiGangi hopes the next president can help bring costs down, something he and his customers struggle with.

"We don't know if it's going to be a good day or a bad day, but we just take it as it comes. Gotta keep the place open, we gotta feed my family too at home," said DiGangi, who took over the store 15 years ago. 

Longtime customer Jane Fortunato is also concerned about the economy and its impact on the neighborhoods where she lives and shops.

"You never know what will happen, but I wish everything is going to be better for the USA," Fortunato said.

Artie Spinelli, who manages at Mario's, says he sees the impact of higher costs firsthand too. He is a Donald Trump supporter.

"I talk to a lot of people, and a lot of people, they can't afford nothing no more, everything is so expensive," Spinelli said. Middle Village resident Joe Mojica agreed. 

"Everything with groceries is expensive, and I feel sorry for those who can't afford it," Mojica said. 

Mother and daughter Pamela Kablack and Joan Harrington typically vote Democrat, but say they are disenchanted with both candidates.

"You know, at the end of the day, we will see who comes out on top, but either way it's a big concern," Kablack said.

"I will vote also, and will obviously vote for one of the two people, but it's a troubling election. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to put a write-in name because there's no choice," Harrington said.

On a recent visit, NY1 didn't run into anyone supporting Kamala Harris, in an area where more than 50% of voters chose Trump over Joe Biden in 2020.

As one voter put it, we as Americans will have to come together regardless of who is elected.