It’s a trying time for Katz’s Deli, as rising beef prices drastically reduce profit margins on its famed, three-quarter-pound pastrami sandwich, despite its seemingly-absurd price of $19.75.
Slate explores how the legendary NYC deli has managed to stay in business with the odds stacked against it. In short: it thrives because of tradition. Writer Jordan Weissman describes Katz’s cultural significance, apart from the famed I’ll-have-what-she’s-having scene in When Harry Met Sally,
Photo: Facebook
Katz’s “last-of-its-kind” appeal can’t be ignored. With a classic menu featuring pastrami, latkes, coleslaw, and “bocce-sized” Matzo balls, Katz’s old-school fare simply can’t be replaced with the newer artisanal Jewish delis on the scene.
Even Noah Bernamoff, owner of Mile End Deli in Brooklyn and Mile End Sandwich in NoHo, seems to agree. Bernamoff says,
Real estate also seems to play a significant role in Katz’s staying power—Katz’s owns its Lower East Side building. Jake Dell says, “We’re here, and that’s it, and we’re here to stay.”
Here’s more cool stuff we found on the Internet today:
Toys ‘R’ Us Is Selling An Unlicensed Guy Fieri Halloween Costume [Eater]
Restaurants Under Fire For Playing Music Without Paying Royalties [GrubStreet]
Hideki Matsui Leaves $700 tip at Tavern on the Green [The Daily Meal]