Who Owns Katz's Deli In New York

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about Katz's Deli in New York. Now, you might think you know all there is to know about this legendary joint, but buckle up, 'cause I'm about to serve you some facts so fresh, they're still warm from the oven.

Once Upon a Time in the Lower East Side

Let's rewind back to 1888. That's right, Katz's has been around longer than your grandma's favorite recipe. It all started when a humble Jewish immigrant named Hillel Katz opened a little old deli on East Houston Street. Now, I know what you're thinking, "How did a tiny deli become a New York institution?" Well, my friends, it's all about the pastrami.

Pastrami: The Secret Weapon

Katz's didn't just serve pastrami; it invented pastrami. Okay, okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but they sure did perfect it. Their secret? A brisket cure so top-secret, it's guarded more closely than the recipe for Coca-Cola. And the result? A pastrami so tender, so flavorful, it's been known to make even the toughest New Yorkers shed a tear. (But don't worry, it's usually from laughing at the sight of their faces stuffed with meat.)

From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom

Word spread about Katz's like wildfire. Soon, everyone from local politicians to Hollywood A-listers were lining up for a taste. In fact, Katz's made its silver screen debut in the 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally." You remember the scene - Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm in the middle of the deli, and the waitress nonchalantly responds, "I'll have what she's having." Classic. And yes, that waitress was a real employee, not an actor. Talk about method acting.

So, Who Owns This Pastrami Palace?

Now, you might be wondering, who's the lucky soul sitting pretty on a throne of pastrami, cashing in on Katz's fame? Well, it's not some faceless corporation or a celebrity chef with a reality TV show. It's the Katz family, that's who. Five generations deep, they've been serving up slices of history since day one.

Now, you might think that after all these years, the Katz family would be ready to retire, pass the torch, or sell up. But no, they're still going strong. Jake Dell, the great-great-grandson of Hillel Katz, is at the helm these days. And let me tell you, he's not just a figurehead. He's a hands-on owner, rolling up his sleeves and slicing pastrami like a true deli pro.

Katz’s Deli, secrets behind keeping a 130-year-old business alive | Fox

Katz's: The People's Deli

You know what makes Katz's truly special? It's not just the pastrami, or the history, or even the fact that they've been serving up comfort food since before your great-grandparents were born. It's the people. Katz's is a place where everyone's welcome - from the regulars who've been coming for decades to the first-timers who've made the pilgrimage from halfway across the globe.

And the best part? Despite its fame, Katz's hasn't lost its charm. It's still a no-frills, cash-only kinda place. No reservations, no fancy schmancy decor. Just good, old-fashioned deli food, served up with a side of New York attitude. And isn't that what we all need in our lives?

A Final Word on the Great Pastrami Debate

Before I wrap this up, I've got to address the elephant in the room. The great pastrami debate: Katz's vs. Carnegie Deli. Now, I'm not here to start a fight, but I will say this - if you're a true New Yorker, you know that Katz's is the real MVP. But hey, everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Just don't expect me to agree with you if you're on the wrong side of this debate.

So there you have it, folks. The story of Katz's Deli, from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom. And the best part? You can still walk in today and grab a pastrami sandwich that's every bit as good as the ones Hillel Katz was serving up over a century ago. Now, who's ready to join me for a late-night pastrami run?