STANLEY ZABAR, CO-OWNER OF NEW YORK'S LEGENDARY ZABAR'S, DEAD AT 94

 

Stanley Zabar With Brother Saul Zabar

 The man behind one of Manhattan's most beloved food institutions helped build a family business that became a New York City landmark.

New York City has lost another member of a family whose name has been part of Manhattan life for generations.

Stanley Zabar, co-owner of the legendary Zabar's gourmet food store on Manhattan's Upper West Side, has died at the age of 94. He passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026.

For generations of New Yorkers, Zabar's was never just another grocery store. It was a destination, a neighborhood gathering place, and one of those uniquely New York businesses that became famous far beyond the city limits.

Stanley helped make that happen.

Founded in 1934 by his parents, Louis and Lillian Zabar, the business began as a small neighborhood grocery and fish market on Broadway near West 80th Street. Over the decades, it grew into an internationally recognized food destination, famous for its smoked fish, extraordinary selection of cheeses, freshly roasted coffee, bagels, babka, and countless specialty foods.

Stanley worked alongside his older brother, Saul Zabar, for decades, helping carry their parents' vision into the next generation. Saul, who was often the more recognizable public face of the business, died in October 2025 at the age of 97.

While Saul was closely associated with the store's daily operations, Stanley played a critical role behind the scenes. His legal and financial expertise helped guide the business through its growth and establish Zabar's as one of New York's most successful family-owned food institutions.

The family described Stanley as a quiet but vital force behind the business.

A New York family institution

Anyone who has visited Zabar's understands why it became such a New York landmark. The store is famous for its bustling aisles, knowledgeable employees, enormous cheese department, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a traditional New York food emporium.

Tourists from around the world have made Zabar's a must-visit destination, while generations of Upper West Side residents have considered it their neighborhood store.

But behind the famous name was a family deeply connected to the community.

Stanley was born in Brooklyn on August 19, 1932, and spent his life connected to New York City. He attended the University of Pennsylvania before returning to help with the family business following his father's death. He later graduated from NYU and earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

He also maintained a career in law while helping oversee the family enterprise.

A commitment to family and philanthropy

Stanley's contributions extended well beyond the grocery business.

He and his wife of 74 years, Judith, supported numerous New York institutions, including Hunter College, the New York Public Library, Symphony Space, NYU Langone Health, and the Careers through Culinary Arts Program.

The family remembered him not only for the business he helped build but also for the opportunities he created for others and his dedication to the city.

Stanley was predeceased by his brother Saul and daughter Lori. He is survived by his wife Judith, children David and Dr. Sondra Zabar, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

The end of an era

New York City has changed dramatically since Louis and Lillian Zabar opened their little store in 1934. Neighborhoods have transformed, businesses have disappeared, and many of the city's old family-owned institutions have become memories.

But Zabar's endured.

Stanley Zabar was part of the family that made that possible. His legacy will live on every time a New Yorker walks through the doors on Broadway, picks up a bag of coffee, orders smoked fish, or brings home something special from the store.

New York has lost a businessman, a philanthropist, and a member of one of its most recognizable family businesses.

Our condolences to the entire Zabar family.

Times Square Gossip extends its deepest sympathies to Stanley Zabar's family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.