Saul Zabar, the legendary co-owner and driving force behind the iconic New York City food emporium Zabar’s, has died at the age of 95. The news comes after he suffered a recent stroke, leaving the city to mourn a true culinary giant.
- Who: Saul Zabar, the hands-on co-owner of the world-famous Zabar’s on the Upper West Side.
- Age: Over 95 years old.
- Cause of Death: Confirmed to be complications from a recent stroke.
- Final Tribute: In a deeply moving scene, Zabar’s employees lined Broadway to give his hearse a final round of thunderous applause.
A Final, Poignant Goodbye
The profound impact Saul had on his staff and community was captured in a poignant farewell. Long-time colleague Len Berk, 95, described the moment a hearse carrying his friend slowly passed the store for the last time. Dozens of employees emerged onto the sidewalk, cameras out, to honor their boss. “Horns from cars with disgruntled drivers blasted the area,” Berk recalled, but the staff stood firm. “A hearse with close family and friends of Saul Zabar slowly passed the store amidst thunderous applause.”
The Legacy of a Food Icon
For decades, Saul Zabar was more than just a name on the building; he was the standard-bearer for quality. Known as a hands-on boss, he personally ensured the store’s offerings were second to none. His key achievements included:
- The Perfect Smoked Fish: Saul would personally visit smokehouses in Brooklyn to select the “first choice of all the smoked fish,” which became the world-renowned “Zabar’s Nova.”
- Mentorship: He carefully selected and trained younger employees, teaching them the business to ensure the Zabar’s legacy would continue long after he was gone.
- The “Over 95 Club”: In a touching personal detail, his colleague Len Berk revealed they were the only two members of the informal “Over 95 Club,” which met on Thursdays at the fish counter until Saul’s health declined.
An Unfillable Void
Berk, the Forward’s lox columnist and now the sole remaining member of their two-person club, shared his grief and the sense of loss now felt within the store’s walls. “The store’s usual brightness seemed to have faded somewhat,” he wrote. He remembered Saul not as “Mr. Zabar,” but simply as “Saul,” a firm but respected leader who built an empire on quality and dedication. As the hearse faded into the distance, an era in New York City food history officially came to a close.
Image Referance: https://forward.com/culture/786475/lox-columnist-remembers-saul-zabar/