Stanley Zabar, Co-Owner of Iconic NYC Gourmet Food Shop, Dies at 94

Stanley Zabar Passes Away at 94

Stanley Zabar, the co-owner of the iconic New York City gourmet food shop Zabar’s, has died at the age of 94. Zabar’s, a staple on Manhattan’s Upper West Side since 1934, made the announcement in a post on Instagram, where Stanley was remembered as "a quiet force behind our family business."

Continuing a Family Legacy in Gourmet Food

Stanley Zabar, along with his brother Saul Zabar, played a key role in maintaining and elevating the vision of their parents, Louis and Lillian Zabar, who opened the original shop on Broadway and 80th Street. The business, known for its selection of smoked fish, home-roasted coffee blends, and other delicacies, has grown to become what many consider a New York City institution.

A Behind-the-Scenes Leader

According to the announcement, Stanley’s "legal and financial acumen was vital in shaping Zabar’s into a beloved New York City institution." While he primarily managed the business aspects, he was regularly seen greeting customers. In Zabar’s history, Saul Zabar took on the operational responsibilities, focusing on the store's renowned offerings like smoked fish and coffee. Murray Klein, a third partner, was responsible for marketing.

Dedication to Philanthropy and Community

Stanley and his wife, Judith Zabar, were recognized for their philanthropy. Zabar’s noted that they contributed time and resources to the arts, education, and culinary training, supporting institutions such as Hunter College, the New York Public Library, Symphony Space, NYU Langone Health, and the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. The post also highlighted his devotion to his family and his roots as a lifelong New Yorker, raising his own family on the Upper West Side.

Growth, Culinary Introductions, and Lasting Impact

Over nearly a century, Zabar’s has been influential in broadening New Yorkers’ culinary palates. The shop introduced brie cheese in the 1960s, as well as sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Zabar’s famously lowered caviar prices in a move that sparked a so-called "Caviar War"—an episode the store claims it won. Today, Zabar’s continues to be run by members of the Zabar family, who remain hands-on with daily operations, from hand-slicing smoked fish to roasting coffee blends, of which they sell an estimated 400,000 pounds annually.

Remembering Stanley Zabar

The shop’s Instagram tribute reflects on Zabar’s commitment: “He will be remembered for the business he helped build, the countless opportunities he created for others and his unwavering dedication to his family and community.” According to The New York Times, Zabar died of cancer, as relayed by his daughter, Dr. Sondra Zabar. His influence endures in the Upper West Side community and the city’s gastronomic landscape.

Source: nbcnews.com.