Saul Zabar, who was the owner and led his parents’ store Zabar’s for 70 years, has passed away at the age of 97. The New York Times reports he passed away on Tuesday, October 7, in Manhattan.
Saul’s daughter, Ann Zabar, confirmed news of his death to the outlet, saying that he was admitted to the hospital with a brain bleed.
Zabar’s is an iconic Upper West Side grocery store, which was founded by Saul’s parents in 1934. However, when his father suddenly passed away in 1950, Saul left the University of Kansas, where he was studying to become a doctor, to return home and run the family business with his mother.
Saul remained very involved in everything, which was highlighted in an 2025 Forbes article about the business.
“When my dad was here full-time, he tasted everything coming out of the kitchen every day,” Saul’s daughter Annie said. “From the salads, coffees, and smoked fish, and he taught us all how to do it.”
Tributes Pour In for Saul Zabar
Mayor Eric Adams wrote, “A true New York legend. 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.”
Governor Kathy Hochul wrote, “A great loss for New York City and anyone who’s ever enjoyed the ultimate bagel and lox from @ZabarsIsNY. Our hearts are with the Zabar family during this difficult time. May Saul’s memory be a blessing.”
Senator Chuck Schumer wrote, “So long, farewell and thank you to Saul Zabar, a man who created a beloved NYC food icon. A place to meet, shop, nosh and nourish the body and soul. May his memory be a blessing.”
Saul Zabar Opened Up About His Family Business in 2008 New York Times Interview
After Saul took over the family business, he made the decision to consolidate it into what it has become today, which is a gourmet bazaar at Broadway and 80th Street.
He described the ordeal as “having five separate children with separate personalities, sales and bookkeeping.”
“I wanted to do one thing and do it well. I wanted to take care of it in a way that it survives and becomes famous,” he told the New York Times in a 2008 interview.
The outlet also spoke to Eli Zabar, who left the family business in 1970.
“He’s the most special man and he’s the common man,” Eli said despite the two having a strained relationship in the past. “He’s able to drill down and begin to know little things like nobody else.”
