How a Legendary NYC Deli and Grocery Store Sells 4,000 Pounds of Fish per Week - The Experts

Zabar’s first opened in 1934, serving New Yorkers deli classics like smoked fish, bagels, and incredibly popular coffee. Take a look inside the operation with Scott Goldshine, who has been managing the shop for the past 30 years.
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Credits:
Producer: Daniel Geneen
Directors: Daniel Geneen, Connor Reid
Camera: Connor Reid, Nick Mazzocchi, Murilo Ferreira
Editor: Lucy Morales Carlisle
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Supervising Producer, Operations: Stefania Orrù
Supervising Producer, Development: Gabriella Lewis
Audience Engagement: Avery Dalal
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[@coryhartstein367]

I will never forget Scott Goldshine and the way he handled a situation for me a few years ago. I had a big catering order for a special occassion. I went to pick up the order the morning of the event and there was an issue or miscommunication and it turned out the store never had my order. I got to the store at 1030AM thinking I was picking up food for 50 people for an event at noon and it turned out they didn't even know about it. Scott personally apologized for the mishap and promised me that not only would they be able to resolve it and fulfill the order in the next 90 minutes but that they would deliver it 25 blocks away and set up the spreads and everything for us. Scott was a man of his word and took off half the price for the stress of the situation without prompting. Businesses need a good product to be successful, but they need good people to succeed. Thanks Scott and all of the Zabars family!

[@loveinthematrix]

Omg

[@kremesauce]

Someone caring for their customers, what a guy and their experience over money. Good for him and his dedication

[@minkie4155]

Holy moly that’s some next level customer service! No wonder they have such a great reputation

[@kevingoins9858]

@@Plaojuo That has zero to do with this clip and post.

[@Plaojuo]

@@kevingoins9858 FREE PALESTINE THEY IS BE INNOCENTO!!!!!!!!!

[@jim5k]

There is nothing like an old school business like this! Running like a machine, consistent high quality product. Employees stay for life. You could never replicate this.

[@m1j9s79]

Why?

[@DanWasAlreadyHere]

Especially the employees finding a career, not a job!

[@filipnino1312]

Because everyone cuts corners now and relies on social media advertising this is years of quality and word of mouth

[@henryt9281]

Damn, I work at an affluent school district where teachers top out at over $150K and administrators make well over $200K, and we can't seem to keep people for more than 2-3 years, and this is a freaking grocery store that is retaining employees for multiple decades!

[@filipnino1312]

@@henryt9281 yea my father is head of building and grounds in north Jersey he cant can’t find any custodians to stay and they’re giving them 10 years now starting them at 27 an hour with no experience full benefits. They can’t even get them through the door I don’t know I guess no one wants to work anymore

[@ttanizawa901]

25 years, 30 years, 42 years....the fact this man treats his employees with the upmost respect and love, you would think these numbers are an insane time to work for one place but man, one could only ask for a place like this to work. Much respect.

[@UhOhUmm]

Legendary establishments require legendary staff, the owner is smart enough to know that he needs these people and is probably raising the employee salaries accordingly over the years, not just the prices of his items.

[@gamingismyPORN]

@@UhOhUmm yes 100%!! i worked for a man for 9 years, that never once gave me a raise however he kept giving me new responsibility and work to do... was disappointed to leave that job but had to for myself couldn't let him take advantage of me anymore.

[@Plaojuo]

pathetic. imagine working the same job for barely more than minimum wage for 25, 30, 42 years. no drive or volition. NPC behaviour for a lifetime. absolutely appalling, I wouldn't consider them human

[@MMSX356]

​@@Plaojuo😂

[@abdirahmanhassan1848]

@@Plaojuo be careful life has a funny way of humbling you

[@QuikSilver2190]

I love how honest and upfront Scott is. You can tell a mans integrity by how he treats his employees.

[@jedimindtrixr4kidz294]

tegrity

[@gabrielmaroto18]

OMG south park has ruined another generation 😂😢😅

[@MisterVish]

I could tell by his swearing integrated into his overall speaking style

[@jedimindtrixr4kidz294]

@@gabrielmaroto18 I'm OG, saw the movie on opening day in middle school lol

[@m1j9s79]

Exactly. The key to the success is all him and his attitude.

[@marklee9123]

Everyone who works there seem to genuinely love their work, speaks volume about the people who run it!

[@gabrielmaroto18]

When the Boss care of his employees it easy

[@aR0ttenBANANA]

This is what I love about New York, Jewish deli but the OG trained a Dominican guy to be him main man, best Chinese chef works in a Mexican restaurant, best Mexican chef works in a Japanese restaurant, etc. Might’ve started as connivence but with time it becomes a thing of pride and part of you no matter if you’re originally from the same place.

[@loveinthematrix]

Period !

[@li0nHeart87]

Facts

[@robertb1548]

Love the fact that he lets his deli associate choose whats best for the deli really shows that he trust his team and listens to their opinions

[@The_Felicitous_Joker]

“It’s a lot easier when you’re working with people that care”, FACTS.

[@dutchdykefinger]

people that caeh

[@alexanderbertoni2705]

This is the most New York work environment I've ever seen.

[@RedHeadAgent]

Amazing...employees staying 10..15...20...42+ years!!!! That says a lot about leadership and the environment of the business. Zabar's should be EXTRA proud of creating a fine working experience where no one wants to leave.

[@Galactic123]

Listen, there's a MILLION places you can find a menial job in NYC. A million little restaurants, delis, bodegas, all of those people could find similar jobs all over the city. The fact that so many of his employees have been with him for 20, 25, 30+ years, that tells you something. They're either getting paid better than those other places and/or they're being treated with a level of care and respect that commands their loyalty and hard work.

[@devanman7920]

Ya its a great sign for the business.

[@Luunchb0xxx]

I'm a NY native that moved away almost 10 years ago. Zabars used to be a daily thing for me, and I can say without a doubt that it's in the top 3 things I miss about NYC.

[@cheeon]

What are the other 2 or more? Asking because I'm building a food list for my first NYC visit. Thank you 🙏

[@Luunchb0xxx]

@@cheeon go with the classics. Katz's Deli, Russ and Daughters, and some NY type pizza. I was partial to John's on Bleecker but I've heard there's better pizza elsewhere.

[@cheeon]

Katz is definitely on my list. Thank you for all the suggestions 🙏

[@TheMaryWriter]

It's saying something about a business when you can point out so many employees and say they've been there for 10+ years and they're all appreciated and happy.

[@OtterSwims]

Seeing how freshly all that food is made, and how the employees are given ownership and respect makes me want to spend my money there. Its worth preserving and helping to support businesses like these

[@JJJJJLLL]

If you have so many people working for you for decades, you’re doing something right

[@howardcunt]

Was my dream. Big loyal family. Good luck to us all

[@randyschwaggins]

The old bird shouting "why cant i get any tongue in Boston??" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@myredeemerliveth5798]

It’s mind blowing to hear the staff tenure at Zabars 😮

[@TheGeekChef]

The absolute best smoked salmon in NYC! And their skill in hand slicing it is unparalleled

[@hes_alive]

This is how businesses USED to work. Quality at an affordable price, that’s it. Old school, foul-mouthed newyorker. Perfection.

[@Ahollazproduct]

I love Zabars. It was my first job and I had a lot of family work there. Including some in the video. A piece of my heart is always with Zabars. ❤

[@LAYNESTALEYISAGOD]

What a great establishment. Gotta check it out next time I’m in NYC. The longevity of its employees speaks volumes about the quality of the store

[@user-hd8gn1uj7e]

im always astounded by these independently owned and operated delis/restaurants in NYC that have practically generations of employees its so hard to find and build a business like that n the uk, theres very little appreciation here for the ground level everyones always in a rush to be the next big fancy thing and hospitality suffers because of it, i wokred at a place that had an average staff retention rate of around 18 months and that was considered crazy good for a fast casualy store yet her these guys are with decades under there belt so inspiring

[@samjl4]

Disgusting isn’t it? 1000 year old country and every market street is devoid of legacy shops, and yet every council up and down the country lets as many out of town retail parks and aldis get built as possible, degradation accelerated to warp speed since Covid

[@dengueberries]

@@samjl4 profit maximisation is the name of the game ... I try to visit the small vendors, turkish/pakistani butchers, jewish/italian/spanish delis, chinese/vietnamese stores, swedish/french bakeries, you name it, but you have to really go out of your way to find, be able to purchase (so expensive), and visit these establishments because the easy-access supermarkets have everything, but as a result everything they have is mediocre. Billingsgate is closing, Smithfield is closing, ...

[@CrowsofAcheron]

This is a very rare thing in the US. It could only happen in a very economically active area. Most places in the US are as you describe in the UK.

[@user-hd8gn1uj7e]

@@CrowsofAcheron oh i sure dont doubt that its a largely metropolitan phenomenom

[@sammiller6631]

@@samjl4 What's wrong with Aldi?

[@jennmegacunttracker3670]

“I cant rush them” “They’re my assholes” This boss gets it.

[@kelvinmuliawan5329]

Started watching from Omakase, then I moved on to Mise en Place, Smoke Point, and now The Experts, I gained so much insight about the food business from the chef, owner, and business standpoint. It is undeniable that these business are very demanding, physically and mentally, and it was really eye-opening to know more about not just the food, but the people that worked their asses off to serve their food impeccably EVERY SINGLE TIME. I gotta say, Eater, I enjoyed reading recipes when I was a child, but this channel gives me the determination and the reason why to get into the food industry. I am in Taiwan, at the moment, working part-time as a line cook in an up and coming restaurant while finishing my degree, and every time I feel tired, or down and under, watching these videos, even on repeat, gives me the drive to keep going, and eventually, find the reason to love the work I'm doing. My hope is to able to open a restaurant I could call my own as well, and even though it is still far off, hopefully the restaurant could be featured on this channel!!! Thank you, the Eater team, for all the amazing content you've given all of us to enjoy.

[@kennethvelasquez3140]

I worked at zabars off and on for 4 years, and I can personally tell you everything in this video is authentic. Scott is a great manager and everyone truly loves him. I’ve met some of my best friends in that place and I will always be grateful for zabars no matter how old I get

[@tminusnyc2915]

Scott Goldshine = True NYC OG. Amazing leadership. That's an authentic rarity in New York business. Much respect & support.

[@DariusJones05]

Making soup for 45yrs is crazy 😂 that man can make it in his sleep

[@tosh8377]

The fact we can still have places like this makes me happy.

[@lisam9233]

Former NYer in LA. I knew watching this was gonna be tough, but I was not prepared for how much I miss Zabars.

[@jeremyepstein7977]

Same 😊 I keep the Zabar’s mug close

[@mayamccray6491]

This is why New York has some of the best restaurants and markets in the world! New Yorkers are hardworking, no frills, straightforward and loyal the absolute nuts and bolts of any business. Scott comes across as a no nonsense but fair manager with integrity and respect for his people.

[@nasser_almashjary]

Just wow. This episode hit me real hard. The passion and love is immense.

[@DoctorMcHerp]

This is an insane operation but what's even more insane is how many seasoned employees they have. Obviously the food is good because they've been in business for so long, but it's only made possible because of the people who work there.

[@Krossfyre]

It's always good when a place has a lot of seasoned employees.

[@get2dachoppa249]

It’s been a few decades ago, but walking to Zabars from the Musesum of Natural Histroy on a spring or summers day is right up there with seeing the Christmas tree at Rockerfeller Plaza in the winter.

[@muzaaaaak]

Many props to Zabars. I spent 4 years developing my cold smoked salmon recipe to replicate what I ate from Zabars when I was a kid in NY. Now people ask me to make them lox for their families. So many great memories walking that store. And some of the best food I ever had in NY.

[@yanied9646]

I always saw coworkers ordering from this place and now I have an inkling of just why they frequent this place so much. It looks amazing and the people seem very true to themselves and dedicated to their jobs. It's a very impressive operation and reminds me a little of Russ & Daughters being a mom and pop shop

[@Neptunequeen42]

You know he's treating those employees right when they've all been there for decades.

[@xyzgta]

We dont get this in BAAHSTON!!! Make that a bumper sticker!! Love this... Zero BS all Heart!! That is Zabars!

[@IIIEMMANUELIII]

Easily the best episode of Eater I’ve seen and that’s saying something because you guys have SEVERAL fantastic F’n episodes but this, this was timeless. Unbelievable store. Can’t wait to go there when I visit NYC again

[@sankimalu]

Harriet’s rant about tongue is hilarious! Her shrugged ‘why’ made me crack up. I’d love to buy her lunch and just listen to her detail all the things that could be improved in Boston…

[@vitasbutkoon]

Definition of inspiration. 42 years and her smile. Wow. 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹

[@sadxtango]

You can see that he really respects everyone and leaves it up to the experts to handle their area, this is why it works! ❤

[@karmaforsale2334]

There are so many Deli's in NYC but everyone agrees that Zabar's is the best the food quality is amazing, all new yorkers love Zabar's.

[@hjk6606]

Many of their employees have been working there longer than I've been alive. That tells you that you've come across something truly wonderful since that kind of loyalty is hard to find these days. I need to make a point to stop by the next time I'm in NYC.

[@tomsmith2942]

Possibly the best eater video I’ve ever seen. What an amazing place.

[@angeloarimborgo6352]

This place is legendary. I grew up in the Yorkville section of NYC and then we moved upstate to the Bronx. This guy’s narration just brought me back to the old neighborhoods. If you’re not getting your balls busted, that’s the time to worry 😬.

[@Shichman]

LOVE this. Everything from the food to the way the staff acts around the boss, to the way the boss treats them. Love.

[@duraynoodle]

You captured the heart of New York on video, breaking balls out of loyalty and love.

[@wizkhalifasmoke]

Scott is the type of guy you wanna work for.

[@thecarlob_007]

What an impressive operation. You know they’re doing something right when the establishment, its customers and its people have been around for decades.

[@tamalpias]

My aunt lives in Brooklyn, next time I visit her I will make it a point to visit them. I love stories about businesses like this. What a kick ass go to work for.

[@M2a3i]

There is nothing like the camaraderie of a kitchen! The tenor of the employees is a testament to the love & commitment

[@robinp13946]

I grew up eating bagels and lox from this store. Born & raised in manhattan! Now in North Carolina for 25+ years and I still try and visit when I’m home

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

I'm originally from Philadelphia! First shopped at Zabars in about 1965! Now, down in Miami Lakes I occasionally order mail order! Still #1

[@Gyuresssz]

To be honest at first I didn't find Scott sympathetic and I was totally wrong, the wholesomeness of this whole place just washes you away!

[@jackmehoff1840]

My list is exponentially growing of food places to visit when my finally visit NY, your ability to showcase the food, the people and the love is infatuating

[@freddyvelasquez4168]

Zabar’s is a NYC institution. Thank you for featuring them. Cheers from Brooklyn, NY 🇵🇷

[@studiomangordon2933]

I LOVE the workplace morale here .. good food is made with love , and there's a lot of love in that building .. great vid

[@tomsamuel77]

This is definitely my kind of place! The attention to detail and genuine love of their work is very evident.

[@copeharderbro]

This is one of the few plays that actually seems like a work family. It would be amazing to experience a place like this for work

[@LuigiL75]

I’m so glad that places like this still exists…🥺

[@shaunsilverleaf2035]

My family has been Zabar's customers since 1972. The best Nova, whitefish and salads. I now live in Florida, so glad that they do online mail orders!

[@mikemcdonald2755]

The best part of it all is how long your employees have worked there, their loyalty, and your relationships with them! Treat your employees right and like family, and they will be with you forever, and improve your business! God bless you all

[@VIDEOSELEKTOR]

Been watching more and more Eater videos lately and not one has been disappointing. The quality of the documentary, people, food, so genuine, love it! The family-friendly version of FTD :D

[@The_Felicitous_Joker]

Absolutely love the environment here,mad respect for these guy for the consistency 💯

[@eliaskardous4224]

Scott = a NY legend. The attitude is on point

[@newportsteve2203]

Zabar's is heaven on earth. Been enjoying the smoked fish my entire life. Love it.

[@kvai-gon7488]

It’s really cool to see the business and the team and the boss as a well-coordinated organism and result.

[@kiaora224]

Absolutely love the relationship he has with his employees and the banter makes me lol, if I lived in NYC Id love for him to be my boss :)

[@BOMBON187]

When you got people working there for decades, you know they must treated well. I can't imagine hearing people who work on the floor at Walmart or McDonalds saying that.

[@deborahgodley6980]

My absolute fave store in NYC and Fairway is beloved too.Nothing like these iconic places ANYWHERE but NYC!🎉

[@michaelgonzales-smith9714]

Wow amazing story. It's good to hear that there are places like this that still exist. I have to put this place in my to do list.

[@RivetGardener]

Man oh man, if there was ever a reason to move to NYC, this is it. The delis, the restaurants, the neighborhoods are so classic.

[@crashingxhearts]

I love how the employees have been there for decades and look so happy

[@qkwnwkw]

I for one desperately need this store to be located in Sydney, Australia and I guarantee that the store will ALWAYS be packed no matter what day it is.

[@sammiller6631]

You can't promise that. Sydney is tiny. New York City is the most populated city in the third largest country in the world. 211k for Sydney vs 1.69 million for Manhattan where Zabars is or 8.8 million for New York City. Even Sydney Metro is 529k vs 19 million for New York Metro. The entire country of Australia is around the size of NYC Metro.

[@dominikdorn159]

im not going to lie put the oven at 3:16 looks crazy, imagine you walking in the fish and someone closes the door behind you, even as a joke that must be the worst nightmare

[@kofManKan]

Fantastic stuff. Inspiring and I can tell this is all authentic. Fabulous, well done all!

[@geauxinuee9524]

Hands down. Best video for me. Love the working environment. Its like a one big family!

[@rankang2194]

I wish there were that exact Zabars in every city across the U.S.

[@NeoGeo1332]

I loved that the coffee buyers were using a Thermoworks thermometer when testing the coffee. I bought mine for work and it's definitely a great tool!

[@chaisepomme4070]

I'd love to go back for a visit to NY and Zabar's would be one of the highlights. I still remember that magnificent blend of coffee beans made to taste like Blue Mountain coffee.

[@brentvh3463]

This is a great store you can tell all the people working there work there more then 10 years, They love it. And i do too keep doing what you're doing!

[@jamesallison4875]

Mid 70’s , Columbia, Upper West Side, jazz clubs, it was great! Zabar’s every Saturday!!!

[@PArtajaakko112]

Insane that these people stay and work for such long careers. A very special place!

[@shockeye3863]

"I can't rush him!" If my boss ever said that, I think his tongue would fall out.

[@visionintermission]

Let's get back to this. So much warmth in this video.

[@obsidiawn2852]

Cupping coffee is by far one of my favorite experiences. Making good coffee is a way of life and is a craft from preparing coffee to all the way to tasting and roasting coffee beans.

[@Hossyboy420]

Clean restaurant, extremely efficient, and they make great food. Delicious!

[@TAG993]

What a great story on sooo many levels. Thank you!

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

Amazed at how long some of these people have been working at one place. In this day and age where most people work about 8 different jobs throughout their lifetime...it is a genuine curiosity.

[@Wyntah888]

I loved every second of this footage.Owner is a good man❤

[@elizabethfederman3318]

I worked there after high school many years ago (Scott was there then and so was Millie). The best education I ever had. Murray Klein, who was the managing partner at that time was a legend - tough, smart, and fair.

[@TheSrAtlanta]

An absolute NYC institution. Scott should teach management. Many could learn from him.

[@christinecamley]

Scott is fabulous! Every employee and all the customers are all so special!! The best people going - such hard workers! The best attitudes!! Love them!! I LOVE Zabar's and visiting from Vancouver is always a highlight!! The coffee and food is all spectacular!! The deli is mind blowingly delicious!! Terrific video!! 🙂

[@Alex-zi1nb]

fascinating peak behind the curtains. so much work for all that volume and one dang store

[@joeavdichuk7991]

I love The love this guy has for his employees what a gem beautiful place

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

Excellent piece!!! keep up the fantastic work, I appreciate wonderful glimpses into food like this :)

[@jamiethomas069]

For a store to have that level of employee retention speaks volumes about how they're treated and the quality of their products.

[@JoseRodriguez-zj2mt]

Simon s true leader and how he communicated with his staff always encourages all aspects of mise en place wish you great success.onthis new adventure.

[@childishadonis]

A venerable institution a pride and joy of all upper west siders myself included. It’s one of the things that makes our neighborhood awesome.

[@miggybyte]

Tough love. No BS. Just pure respect to each employee and it's an INSTITUTION.