Saul Zabar, Beloved New York Icon and Co-Owner of Zabar’s, Dies at 97

New York City — Saul Zabar, the longtime public face and co-owner of the legendary Upper West Side gourmet market Zabar’s, passed away on October 7, 2025, at the age of 97. His passing marks the end of an era for New York City, where his name became synonymous with family, tradition, and the timeless charm of neighborhood culture that has defined the city for generations.

Born and raised in New York, Saul Zabar dedicated his life to preserving and expanding the legacy of his family’s iconic business — a place that has stood proudly on Broadway and West 80th Street since 1934. What began as a small delicatessen founded by his parents, Louis and Lillian Zabar, grew under Saul’s leadership into a world-famous gourmet emporium known for its smoked fish, bagels, cheeses, and unmistakably New York character.

For decades, Zabar’s wasn’t just a store — it was a community gathering place, a cultural institution, and a love letter to the city itself. Saul, with his trademark warmth and sharp wit, became the face of that legacy. He greeted generations of customers — from longtime locals to curious tourists — with the same genuine kindness and passion for quality that defined everything he did.

Under Saul’s stewardship, Zabar’s became more than a marketplace; it became a part of New York’s identity. The store represented the enduring spirit of the Upper West Side: diverse, welcoming, and proudly authentic. Saul helped transform Zabar’s into a culinary destination that bridged old-world tradition with modern tastes while never losing sight of what made it special — family values, customer loyalty, and uncompromising standards.

Those who knew Saul remember him not only as a businessman but as a storyteller, mentor, and friend. His knowledge of food was vast, but his understanding of people was even greater. He believed in treating everyone with respect and gratitude — from the employees who worked beside him for decades to the regular customers who felt like family.

Saul’s dedication to his community extended beyond the walls of the store. He was known for his philanthropy, his quiet acts of kindness, and his deep love for New York City. Even in his later years, he remained active in daily operations, ensuring that Zabar’s continued to uphold the same integrity and excellence that had defined it for nearly a century.

To countless New Yorkers, Zabar’s was — and remains — a comforting constant in a city that never stops changing. And at the heart of that constant was Saul Zabar: a man who understood that food could bring people together, create memories, and preserve a sense of home in an ever-evolving world.

Saul’s passing leaves a profound void in the city he loved so dearly. Yet, his legacy will live on through his family, through the employees who carry forward his values, and through every customer who steps into Zabar’s and feels, even for a moment, the warmth and history that he helped create.

He is survived by his family, who continue to honor his lifelong dedication to excellence, tradition, and community.

New York has lost a legend, but Saul Zabar’s spirit — much like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and smoked salmon wafting from Zabar’s doors — will forever linger in the heart of the city he helped define.