After a decade of silence, the Carnegie Deli has officially returned to the New York City food scene. Founded in 1937, the iconic deli closed its doors at the end of 2016 following a series of misfortunes, but on September 15, it made a majestic comeback that had lines wrapping around the block.
A Nostalgic Homecoming
The enthusiasm was palpable as customers poured in, eager to taste the world-famous corned beef and legendary cheesecake. Former owner Marian Harper expressed her joy at the revival:
“I can’t believe this is a reality. I think I’m dreaming. I feel like I’m going back to when we first opened up. Everything is exactly the same.”
The deli achieved global fame after Milton Parker purchased it in 1976. Today, it is being revived by Parker’s granddaughter and Marian’s daughter, CEO Sarri Harper, who is bringing the family legacy back to the community.
Caption: Carnegie Deli has officially reopened after 10 years. Photo by Evan Sung
Classic Flavors Return
Sarri Harper reminisced about her childhood memories of visiting her grandfather at the restaurant, recalling favorites like matzo ball soup and macaroni salad. Now, those classics are back on the menu alongside other staples:
- Pastrami
- Corned Beef
- Knish
- World-Famous Cheesecake
New additions include babka French toast and fried deli pickle chips. As the deli opened, a cheesecake cutting ceremony marked the occasion, with the scent of pastrami and matzo ball soup filling the air.
Caption: Carnegie Deli Third Generation and CEO Sarri Harper. Photo by Evan Sung
VIP Contest Winners and The Wall of Fame
To celebrate the grand reopening, the Harpers hosted a contest for two fans to become VIPs for the day. One winner, New Yorker Mike Malizia, served as the front counter man for a collaboration with Amazon Prime promoting the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He celebrated his birthday with some of the first plates served since that pop-up.
“I am most excited to eat the Broadway Danny Rose, the way they get the best of both worlds in there, the pastrami and the corned beef piled high,” Malizia said.
The other winner, Pittsburgh native Marty Mallit, shared how he fell in love with the deli in 1986. Both winners will earn their place on the Carnegie Deli’s Wall of Fame, joining celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, and Robin Williams. The Harpers hope Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks will be the next face added to the wall.
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