East Side Kosher Deli has long been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Colorado, serving as the state’s only fully kosher grocery store. Currently, it is facing foreclosure on its Glendale real estate and is set to be sold.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to sell the business,” stated Joshua Horowitz, known as Shua, in an email to customers.
“I am pleased to announce that the new owners are a group of investors deeply rooted in our community,” he continued. “They are committed to enhancing the strong foundation we have built and making thoughtful investments to elevate the business. I am confident that under their guidance, the deli will not only survive but also thrive in exhilarating new ways.”
A member of the investor group, when contacted by BusinessDen, chose not to comment on the sale until it has been finalized.
This isn’t the first ownership change for the 35-year-old establishment, which encompasses a restaurant, grocery store, butcher, and bakery. Horowitz acquired the business in 2015 from Marcy and Michael Schreiber, who had owned it since 1997. Horowitz, who was then working in the telecom industry, felt it was a significant gamble.
“I knew nothing about Denver and had never even been to the city,” he told Denverite in 2022.
After purchasing the property at 499 S. Elm St. for $2.1 million, Horowitz made various renovations, introducing eclectic elements—including sushi—to the menu.
“Our most popular dishes are a toss-up between Korean short ribs and fajitas,” said Horowitz at the time. “We have to be diverse because we’re one of the only exclusively kosher restaurants.”
When the Jewish Telegraphic Agency visited East Side in 2015, it was noted as the only full-service kosher meat restaurant for 700 miles around. Julie Lieber, the chief Jewish life and engagement officer at Jewish Colorado, remarked, “Anyone even somewhat affiliated with the Jewish community knows that this is the only fully kosher store in the entire state. We just met someone who drove four hours to shop for Passover here. People come from neighboring mountain states.”
“It is incredibly challenging to maintain a Jewish community without a kosher deli, just as you would need a Jewish school or synagogue,” she emphasized, calling it “essential to the community.”
Court documents reveal that the deli is struggling with significant debts. Last month, it was sued by FinWise Bank for allegedly defaulting on a $2.7 million U.S. Small Business Administration loan from 2015, with an outstanding balance of $2.1 million, prompting the bank to seek foreclosure on the property.
Additionally, the deli owes $13,000 to a food vendor based in New York, according to court records.
“It is challenging for any kosher establishment to maintain profitability, whether it’s a restaurant or grocery store, due to closures on Fridays and Saturdays for Shabbat,” Lieber noted, referencing the weekly day of rest that begins at sunset on Friday and lasts until Saturday night.
“Running this business is tough, but the community is incredibly grateful for its existence and hopes someone can take over and sustain it,” she added.
Although Horowitz has declined to be interviewed, he informed customers via email that the ownership transition will take a few months and promised to share more details as the process unfolds.
“It has been a privilege to serve you, and I take immense pride in what we have accomplished together,” he said as he prepared to pass the torch. “Your continued support will be essential in this new chapter.”
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