Bankrupt Deli In Cherry Hill Owes Nearly $250K In Debt: Court Records

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A landmark Cherry Hill deli that closed without notice last month owes nearly $250,000 to the landlord, a lender and several suppliers, according to bankruptcy filings.

The Kibitz Room filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy two weeks ago — days after the restaurant shuttered without notice or explanation.

• Related: Landmark Deli Files For Bankruptcy; Ex-Cherry Hill Owner Wants To Revive It

Court documents filed last week show that the business owes $240,666.02 to different entities, while holding only $77,890.15 in assets. The Courier Post first broke news of the financial records.

Gross revenue declined from $2.52 million in 2024 to $2.21 million last year.

The Kibitz Room owes $48,991 to California firm that provided a cash advance. Other significant creditors include food supplier Sysco ($42,245.21), supplier US Foods ($41,273.79) and landlord Holly Ravine Equity ($38,416.09).

One priority claim is listed: $7,317.15 in sales tax owed to the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Most of the listed assets are furniture and equipment, including four deli cases, a soup warmer and the walk-up "pickle bar" — one of the Kibitz Room's most-notable features.

Their lease at the Holly Ravine Plaza runs for 10 more years, records show.

The attorney representing the Kibitz Room and owner Sandy Parish declined comment to Patch.

Neil Parish purchased the Kibitz Room from deli legend Russ Cowan in 2003. His ex-wife, Sandy, assumed ownership when the couple split up in 2016, Neil told Patch.

Their son, Brandon Parish, worked at the deli until early last year, when Brandon and Neil developed a second Kibitz Room in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The restaurants operate separately, and the King of Prussia location remains open.

Neil Parish told Patch that he wants to acquire the Cherry Hill restaurant and revive it.

"It was too good to the community and vice versa for 20-something years," Neil said. "It's ridiculous. It (the closure) never should have happened."

The Kibitz Room has been one of the best-known Jewish delicatessens in the region, notable for its massive pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, homemade matzo ball soup and pickle bar. They also created the "Jewish Cheesesteak," which contains brisket, coleslaw, Russian dressing and pepper jack cheese.

The deli filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would allow the business to liquidate its assets — not to be confused with Chapter 11 bankruptcy, designed to help businesses restructure.

A hearing is set for next month, court records show.