Jewish Delis in the Northeast are a staple — to eat there is to enjoy Ashkenazi cuisine, including, of course, some matzo ball soup and pastrami on rye like no other. It is officially Jewish-American History Month and Bergen County is filled with many Jewish-owned local businesses. One such Jewish deli is a beloved staple in the area, The Kosher Nosh. Located at 894 Prospect Street in Glen Rock, New Jersey, this local deli has served the greater Bergen County community for almost 50 years. Keep reading to learn more about The Kosher Nosh in Glen Rock and how the new owner keeps up with the deli’s age-old traditions.
A Longstanding Legacy
The Kosher Nosh is a classic New Jersey Jewish deli that has been a mainstay in the community for 48 years. The original owners, Avi and Haim, opened the store in 1976 and have brought comfort food to patrons from near and far for almost five decades.
This January, Avi and Haim decided to retire and sell the business to a new owner — someone they believed would continue to carry on the traditions of a deli that has been a go-to spot for so long. New owner Ari Starkman and general manager Christopher Waters took over the local deli, continuing the legacy that Avi and Haim built.
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The New Ownership
Ari Starkman, The Kosher Nosh’s new owner, and Chris Waters, the general manager, have been busy in the food industry for many years. Ari is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He is best known for owning The Elan Catering + Events banquet hall in Lodi, New Jersey. Chris, who serves as the Executive Chef at The Elan, also brings a wealth of knowledge and unmatched culinary experience to the deli.
Both Ari and Chris are no strangers to serving the community, and their drive to maintain the deli’s continuity is unprecedented. Ari, whose hobby is smoking meats at home — like corned beef, among others — wanted to turn this hobby into something more large-scale. He brought these skills and many others to The Kosher Nosh this January.
The Kosher Nosh’s Menu + Services
The Kosher Nosh is a Kosher deli and dine-in eatery under the supervision of Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg–Behr Kosher Supervision. It is best known for its overstuffed pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and smoked meats + fish.
The deli provides catering services for homes, hotels, and local temples + synagogues. With a menu filled with a variety of options, including the famous roast beef, corned beef, and pastrami sandwiches (always with a pickle, of course), smoked fish, salads, knishes, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, soups, and salads, The Kosher Nosh is easily a go-to spot for anyone local.
And while many come to the deli for a grab-and-go meal, many customers also love the dine-in experience. Like a diner, The Kosher Nosh has a restaurant area where patrons can enjoy all of the signature menu items in-house in the company of others. From families of all backgrounds to loyal, daily, or weekly customers, The Kosher Nosh is a welcoming place to enjoy a comforting meal.
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Upholding A Tradition in a Unique Way
Ari and Chris knew they had enormous shoes to fill when they entered the deli this January. Still, their ability to continue the previous owners’ traditions while experimenting with small changes has been well-accepted in the community.
“The biggest question we got was, ‘what will you change?’” Ari shared with The Bergen County Girl. “And we’ve experimented — sometimes good and sometimes bad, but we are trying new dishes while providing the same customer service experience the community is used to,” he added.
The deli attracts local patrons and many who come from afar to experience a true Kosher deli.
Ari and Chris have already made a name for themselves as this local spot’s new owner and general manager. They are making their way into the community to give back to others and support the town and its people.
Be sure to follow The Kosher Nosh on Instagram at @koshernoshnj. For more information, visit the website or call 201-445-1186.
