Yesterday, the Upper West Side lost a seminal figure in its community with the passing of Saul Zabar, the well-known president and co-owner of the eponymous grocery store Zabar's. He was 97 years old. His death was announced on social media by his daughter Rachel, who also spent time working at the store during her teenage years. ABC7NY reported that Saul Zabar, who originally aspired to become a doctor, took over the family business after his father's death in 1950 and helped establish the grocery store as a cultural landmark.
Zabar had been hospitalized due to a brain bleed at the time of his death, as confirmed by the New York Post. During his lengthy tenure, he managed to vastly expand the family business from a smoked-fish section within a Daitch supermarket to a beloved destination for gourmet foods and household kitchenware, also known for its contributions to New York City's culinary scene such as introducing Brie and sun-dried tomatoes to the populace. His commitment to the store was such that he personally vetted the quality of the goods, famously demonstrated in an incident where he discarded a whitefish on the floor—dissatisfied with its taste.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams paid homage to Zabar's impact on the city, noting, "He gave the city lox, love, and a place to argue over babka. Zabar's isn't just a store, it's a slice of NYC soul. May his memory be a blessing." Customers echoed this sentiment, with one highlighting the high-quality coffee since 1992 and another expressing fondness for the store's salmon and its overall experience. These statements were captured by ABC7NY.
Survived by his wife and three children, Zabar has ensured that the store's legacy will continue to serve the community. His brother Eli established his own grocery on the Upper East Side, while his nephew, Sasha, recently made headlines with a candy shop featuring a viral $10 hot chocolate. Saul Zabar's daughter Annie said in a statement, "My father's legacy lives on in every bagel, every slice of smoked fish, every cup of coffee, and in the countless conversations that fill our store each day." This quote reflects Saul's enduring devotion to his work and his community—a sentiment reinforced by Scott Goldshine, General Manager of Zabar's, when he told the New York Post, "Saul's pursuit of excellence defined not only his work, but his entire life." At the store, a memorial chair bearing Saul Zabar's name tag serves as a tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on his beloved Upper West Side.
