Our Founders

In this episode, Willie takes a look inside the new book, "Zabar’s: A Family Story, with Recipes" by Lori Zabar. Learn more about our store’s history through book excerpts, newly uncovered archival recordings, and original interviews with the people who lived it. This episode is dedicated to Lori, who tragically passed away in February of 2021.

In this episode, Willie learns all about the store’s founders, Louis and Lillian Zabar (who also happen to be his great-grandparents). Featuring an in-depth conversation with official Family Historian Lori Zabar, previously unreleased archival interviews, and testimonials from people who knew this legendary couple. Learn all about Louis and Lillian’s lives in Ukraine, their escape from the pogroms, and how they started a family business that still thrives today.   Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0

In this episode, Willie learns all about the Coffee Department. Co-owner Saul Zabar speaks about his 50 years of experience selecting the coffee beans, and Executive Director David Zabar offers a glimpse into how the store handles more than 400,000 pounds of coffee per year. Later, Willie puts on an apron and learns how to scoop and grind beans from Eric in the Zabar’s Coffee Department. Also hear from professional coffee expert Erika Vonie about the science and techniques behind brewing the perfect cup of joe. See more from Erika Vonie at www.erikavonie.com/media or @Erikavonie on instagram. Watch Saul Zabar in “Spilling the Beans” on YouTube. Watch Saul Zabar on CUNY TV. Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0

This inaugural episode serves as an introduction to all things Zabar’s. Willie leads a virtual tour through every department of the store, showcasing the voices of employees along the way. Featuring street interviews with real customers and conversations with co-owners Stanley and Saul Zabar. Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0

A taste of our first mini-season! Tune in on May 17th, 2021 for the premiere of episode 1.  Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0