Upper West Side Icon Stanley Zabar Dies At 94

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Stanley Zabar, the patriarch and co-owner of the iconic Upper West Side gourmet shop Zabar's, died Monday at age 94.

For more than seven decades, the Upper West Sider helped shape the legendary store that bears his family’s name, known for its smoked fish, fresh bread, cheese and coffee.

Founded in 1934 by his parents, Louis and Lillian Zabar, Zabar's began as a smoked-fish counter inside a Broadway supermarket.

Stanley was the "quiet force" behind the family business, the Zabar's team wrote on Instagram following his passing at his Upper West Side home.

"Stanley spent decades working with his brother Saul to build upon and carry forward the vision of their parents, Louis and Lillian Zabar," the Zabar's team wrote. Saul died in October 2025 at age 97.

"Often working behind the scenes, Stanley’s legal and financial acumen was vital in shaping Zabar’s into a beloved New York City institution," the Zabar's team wrote.

In addition to his expertise in all things gourmet, he was a committed philanthropist, the Zabar's team wrote.

He supported the arts, education, and culinary training at New York City institutions like Hunter College, the New York Public Library, Symphony Space, NYU Langone Health, and the Careers through the Culinary Arts program.

"He will be remembered for the business he helped build, the countless opportunities he created for others and his unwavering dedication to his family and community," the Zabar's team wrote.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.