News Summary
The NY Bagel & Deli has relaunched as New York Bagel Deli & Bakery under new ownership, bringing a fresh ambiance and a vibrant bakery case. Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri aim to enhance the deli experience while maintaining cherished traditions. Significant aesthetic upgrades and a commitment to quality, including freshly delivered baked goods, are part of their strategy to attract customers and revitalize the community gathering spot. The deli also introduces a monthly live music series and a new cookbook featuring diverse recipes.
Santa Monica’s NY Bagel Deli Transforms into New York Bagel Deli & Bakery
New York Bagel Deli & Bakery, formerly known as NY Bagel & Deli, has officially relaunched under new ownership at its location on Wilshire Boulevard. The new owners, Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri, acquired the deli in February and have implemented significant changes while retaining its cherished traditions.
The deli continues to offer its signature boiled bagels and high stacks of pastrami, maintaining a commitment to quality and authenticity. However, patrons can now enjoy a reimagined space featuring redesigned booths, warm lighting, and a vibrant bakery case. The added bakery case showcases a rotating selection of popular baked goods, including rainbow cookies and chocolate rugelach, offering a fresh twist to the traditional deli experience.
Ownership Background
Lenny Rosenberg brings over a decade of experience in the bakery and café industry, having revitalized various establishments across Los Angeles and the East Coast. His partnership with Nwanonyiri, who has a background in design, allows them to honor the deli’s rich history while also refreshing its aesthetic and offerings. The couple is focused not only on the food but also on creating an inviting atmosphere for customers.
The couple aims to enhance the deli’s presence without altering the beloved recipes. Delivery of most baked goods, such as challah and ube cookies, is done daily from their other venture, Bea’s Bakery in Tarzana, ensuring customers receive freshly made products each morning. This commitment to freshness and quality is a key element of their strategy in attracting and retaining customers.
Local Business Environment
The deli’s transformation comes amid challenges in the local recovery efforts in the Palisades and downtown Santa Monica areas. Despite this, Rosenberg expresses confidence in their ability to draw in crowds and revive the space as a community gathering point. Their approach includes more than just food; they intend to establish a rich community vibe through various offerings and improvements.
Aesthetic Enhancements and Community Engagement
Nwanonyiri’s design expertise has been pivotal in upgrading the deli’s atmosphere. Changes include the replacement of worn-out chairs with new red booths and an improved outdoor seating area that invites customers to relax and enjoy their meals. To further enhance the customer experience, they have launched a monthly live music series, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the ambience.
Culinary Contributions and Future Plans
In conjunction with the deli’s transformation, the couple has published a cookbook titled “It’s a Sweet World: Recipes from Around the Globe.” The cookbook features diverse recipes inspired by their Jewish and Nigerian backgrounds alongside contributions from their customers. Notable endorsements from celebrities emphasize the cookbook’s appeal. Unique recipes include Ukrainian poppy seed rolls and Southern sweet potato pie, highlighting the couple’s inclusive culinary approach.
Rosenberg, who is the son of a Holocaust survivor, draws inspiration from his upbringing in New York to develop a strong sense of community around the deli’s offerings. Looking ahead, the couple plans additional improvements, including a bread wall and other nostalgic elements that will further enrich the deli’s character and enhance the customer experience.
Location and Hours
New York Bagel Deli & Bakery is located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd and is open Monday through Friday from 5 am to 3 pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 5 am to 4 pm. The couple is eager to welcome both new and returning customers to experience the revitalized deli and bakery.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Santa Monica Daily Press
- Argonaut News
- Eater LA
- NBC Los Angeles
- The Infatuation
- Wikipedia: Bagel
- Google Search: Santa Monica bagel shops
- Google Scholar: Bagel History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bagel
- Google News: Santa Monica bagel deli
