David Gruber, known as Ziggy Gruber[1](born 1969), is a New York-born American chef and restaurateur known for his role in preservation of Jewish deli traditions. He is a restaurant owner, deli maven of Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen Restaurant in Houston, Texas[2] and featured in the documentary "Deli Man."[3][4] Also, Ziggy has frequently appeared on food television programs like Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives[1]. He is a third generation Jewish deli owner and has run three delis.[5]
Early life and education
Ziggy Gruber was born to Pam and Eugene Gruber. He is the older of two sons born to the couple, the younger son being Jonathan Mackye Gruber, a screenwriter known professionally as J. Mackye Gruber.[6] Eugene Gruber was a deli owner in New York City as was his father, Max Gruber.[5]
The first Gruber deli man, Ziggy's grandfather Max, arrived in New York City sometime in the early 1900s from Budapest, Hungary.[5] Max worked in several delis around New York City. In 1927, together with brothers-in-law Morris and Izzy Rappaport, they opened The Rialto Deli,[7] which was the first deli to open its doors on Broadway.[8]
At age 12, Ziggy’s father Eugene entered the deli business with his father Max.
Professional career
Chef, restaurateur, and advocate for preserving culinary traditions for Jewish Delis
When Ziggy returned to the United States, Ziggy and his dad ran the Spring Valley business, Cresthill Kosher Deli. Ziggy stayed until the early 1990s and then went to California and opened Ziggy G's on Sunset Boulevard. The Gruber deli served clientele like Johnny Depp, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Dennis Hopper.[11]
Freddy Klein, former owner of Carnegie Deli and a restaurant broker, introduced Ziggy to Lenny Friedman, a real estate developer, and his son Kenny. Lenny wanted to bring a New York deli food to Houston.[12] Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen Restaurant & Bakery opened in 1999. In 2004, Kenny left the business. Lenny Friedman remains Ziggy's business partner.[13]
Current restaurants
Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen Restaurant & Bakery (Houston)[55]