Saul Zabal, Iconic Grocery Store Owner, Passes Away at 97
Saul Zabal, a prominent figure in the Upper West Side grocery scene for over 70 years, died on Tuesday at the age of 97.
Zabal had been hospitalized due to a cerebral hemorrhage prior to his passing, according to reports.
“A true New York legend,” someone remarked. “He created a space for people to share their love for the city and its food. Zabar’s was more than just a store; it was part of New York’s essence. May his memory be a blessing.”
Manhatta Knight, who has operated the family grocery store on Broadway for much of its 80-year history, has always been noted for the high quality of its products.
Interestingly, Saul wasn’t originally set to take over the family business. He was pursuing a medical career at the University of Kansas when tragedy struck; his father, Louis, passed away unexpectedly in 1950 at just 49 years old.
Following his father’s death, Saul never looked back, diving headfirst into the store. Back then, Zabar’s primarily dealt in smoked fish and was a small component of a supermarket established by Louis and Lillian in 1934.
Under Saul’s guidance, the store transformed into a beloved grocery destination, expanding into cookware and cafes frequented by both locals and tourists, mainly along Broadway between West 80th and 81st Streets.
“In the 1960s, we introduced New Yorkers to Brie. The ’70s saw the arrival of sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi,” he recounted on the store’s website.
“In the ’80s, we got really excited about caviar, and our pricing sparked a kind of ‘caviar war’ with Macy’s. Let’s just say we came out on top,” he added, referencing a time when both stores battled to attract holiday shoppers by lowering the prices of beluga caviar.
Saul inherited his father’s reputation for being meticulous about the products sold, a trait that contributed significantly to the market’s success and made Zabar’s a household name in Manhattan.
Recently, grocery stores, including Zabar’s, have partnered with various brands and service organizations.
“Saul’s impact on the community and his dedication to both employees and customers was evident,” City Councilman Sean Abreu acknowledged. “Many of his family members have been with him for years as loyal staff.”
Saul was at the helm of Zabar’s for decades, first collaborating with marketing expert Murray Klein. His younger brother Stanley took on the roles of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1993 after Klein’s retirement.
Another brother, Eli Zabar, also opened a grocery store on the Upper East Side.
Family ties remain strong, with Saul’s nephew Sasha recently opening a candy shop next to his ice cream parlor.
Saul is survived by his daughter Anne, her two children, Aaron and Rachel, four grandchildren, and his two brothers. Aaron serves as a senior manager at Zabar’s, while Anne holds the position of assistant vice president.
