The Legendary Jewish Deli Owners Behind Iconic Establishments

As a lover of Jewish deli food, I have always been fascinated by the stories of the people behind these iconic establishments. From the early days of Jewish immigrants in New York City to the present day, Jewish delis have played an important role in American food culture. And at the heart of many of these delis are the families who have owned and operated them for generations.

Some of the most famous Jewish deli owners have become legends in their own right, known not only for their delicious food but also for their larger-than-life personalities. These individuals have helped to shape the deli industry and have left a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

In this article, we will explore the lives and legacies of some of the most famous Jewish deli owners in history. From the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City to the beloved Langer’s Deli in Los Angeles, these delis have become institutions in their own right, and the stories of their owners are just as fascinating as the food they serve.

The Rise of Jewish Delis in America

As a writer fascinated by the history of delis, I am always intrigued by the story of Jewish delis in America. From humble beginnings to widespread popularity, the story of Jewish delis is a tale of hard work, perseverance, and delicious food.

Early Jewish Deli Owners

Many of the earliest Jewish deli owners in America were immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These entrepreneurs brought with them a love of traditional Jewish cuisine and a desire to share it with their new communities.

One of the earliest and most successful Jewish delis was Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City, which opened in 1888. Other early Jewish delis included the Carnegie Deli, which opened in 1937, and the Stage Deli, which opened in 1937.

The Golden Age of Jewish Delis

From the 1930s to the 1950s, Jewish delis experienced a golden age of popularity. During this time, Jewish delis were the go-to spot for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal with friends and family. They were also popular with celebrities, who were drawn to the delicious food and lively atmosphere.

During this time, Jewish delis expanded beyond New York City to other major cities across the United States. Some of the most famous Jewish delis of this era included the Second Avenue Deli in New York City, Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, and Manny’s Deli in Chicago.

Famous Jewish Deli Owners

Some of the most famous Jewish deli owners in America include Leo Steiner, the founder of the Carnegie Deli, and Milton Parker, the owner of the famous Carnegie Deli in New York City. Other famous Jewish deli owners include Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who owned the Stiller and Meara Deli in New York City.

Today, Jewish delis continue to be an important part of American culinary history. While many have closed, there are still plenty of Jewish delis across the country serving up delicious food and continuing the tradition of Jewish cuisine in America.

Famous Jewish Deli Owners in History

Katz’s Delicatessen

One of the most famous Jewish delis in the world is Katz’s Delicatessen, located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Founded in 1888 by the Iceland brothers, the deli is known for its pastrami sandwiches and hot dogs. Katz’s has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including When Harry Met Sally and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Carnegie Deli

Carnegie Deli was another iconic Jewish deli located in Midtown Manhattan. It was founded in 1937 by Milton Parker and Leo Steiner and was known for its enormous sandwiches, including the famous Woody Allen sandwich. The deli closed its doors in 2016, but its legacy lives on.

2nd Avenue Deli

The 2nd Avenue Deli was founded in 1954 by Abe Lebewohl, who fled from Nazi-occupied Poland to New York City. The deli was known for its matzo ball soup and chopped liver, and it quickly became a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The original location closed in 2006, but a new location opened in 2008.

The Stage Deli

The Stage Deli was a famous Jewish deli located in Midtown Manhattan. It was founded in 1937 by Max Asnas and was known for its towering sandwiches and celebrity clientele. The deli closed its doors in 2012 after 75 years in business.

Canter’s Deli

Canter’s Deli is a Jewish deli located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1931 by Ben Canter and is known for its pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup. Canter’s has been a popular spot for celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.

Langer’s Deli

Langer’s Deli is a Jewish deli located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1947 by Al Langer and is known for its pastrami sandwiches and rye bread. The deli has won numerous awards and has been featured in several food documentaries.

Famous Jewish Deli Owners Today

Zingerman’s Deli

I recently visited Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was blown away by the quality of their food. The deli was founded in 1982 by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, and has since become a destination for foodies from all over the world. The deli prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create their delicious sandwiches and baked goods.

Some of my favorite items on the menu include the Reuben sandwich, made with house-cured corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, and the sour cream coffee cake, which is moist and flavorful with a crumbly streusel topping.

Wise Sons Deli

Wise Sons Deli is a San Francisco-based deli that was founded in 2010 by Evan Bloom and Leo Beckerman. The deli serves traditional Jewish deli fare with a modern twist, and has become a popular spot for brunch and lunch in the Bay Area.

Some of the standout items on the menu include the pastrami and eggs, which features house-cured pastrami with scrambled eggs and rye toast, and the matzo ball soup, which is made with a rich chicken broth and fluffy matzo balls.

Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters is a New York City institution that has been serving up traditional Jewish appetizers since 1914. The deli was founded by Joel Russ, and is now run by his descendants, who have continued to uphold the deli’s high standards for quality and flavor.

Some of the must-try items on the menu include the smoked salmon, which is sliced thin and served on a bagel with cream cheese, and the herring in cream sauce, which is tangy and delicious.

The Best Delis in the United States

Here is a great video about some of the best delis. Also be sure to read our post about the top Jewish Delis in the United States.

The Future of Jewish Delis

As a lover of Jewish deli food, I have been closely following the trends in the industry. While some may worry about the future of Jewish delis, I am optimistic that they will continue to thrive and evolve.

One trend that I have noticed is the rise of vegan and vegetarian options on Jewish deli menus. With more people adopting plant-based diets, it only makes sense for delis to offer options that cater to these customers. I have seen everything from vegan matzo ball soup to vegetarian chopped liver, and I believe that these options will only become more prevalent in the future.

Another trend that I have observed is the use of technology to streamline the ordering process. Some delis are now offering online ordering and delivery, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite Jewish deli food. While I still enjoy the experience of going to a deli in person, I appreciate the convenience that technology can offer.

Finally, I believe that Jewish delis will continue to innovate and experiment with new flavors and dishes. While classics like pastrami on rye will always have a place on the menu, I have seen delis incorporating new ingredients and techniques into their dishes. For example, I recently tried a brisket sandwich with a kimchi slaw that was absolutely delicious.

Overall, I am excited to see what the future holds for Jewish delis. With a willingness to adapt and evolve, I believe that they will continue to be a beloved part of the culinary landscape for years to come.