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.

![Carnegie Deli facade](https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/260907_CarnegieDeli_3101.jpg?quality=51&w=1200)
*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.

![CEO Sarri Harper](https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Carnegie-Deli-Third-Generation-and-CEO-Sarri-Harper.jpg?quality=51&w=1200)
*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.

Carnegie Deli closed at the end of 2016 after multiple strokes of misfortune, but on Sept. 15, it made a majestic return to the New York food scene.

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