<div class="tldr">Ben's Best Kosher Deli has closed after 40 years at 46th Street and Sixth Avenue. Owner Samuel Bernstein announced the closure on June 28, citing increased rent and food prices.</div>
<ul class="key-facts">
<li>Ben's Best Kosher Deli opened in Midtown in 1984.</li>
<li>The deli closed permanently on June 28, 2024.</li>
<li>Owner Samuel Bernstein cited rising costs as the reason.</li>
</ul>
Ben's Best Kosher Deli had operated out of its Midtown location for four decades, serving office workers and tourists with traditional Jewish deli fare. The shop was known for pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and a counter-style service. Its last day of business was Friday, June 28.
Owner Samuel Bernstein stated that rent increases and higher wholesale food prices made continued operation unsustainable. Bernstein said the decision to close was difficult but necessary after several challenging years. Rising labor costs and shifts in customer traffic since the pandemic also played a role.
Midtown Manhattan has seen several small businesses close since 2020, a trend tied to both remote work and inflation. Neighbors report that Ben's Best was one of the last independent delis in the immediate area. The storefront, which has not yet been leased, is expected to be listed by the building's landlord in July.
Ben's Best Kosher Deli was not affiliated with the similarly-named Ben’s Deli in Queens or Ben's Kosher Delicatessen on Long Island. Regular patrons expressed disappointment and described the deli as a steady presence in the neighborhood.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h2>Why did Ben's Best Kosher Deli close?</h2>
<p>Owner Samuel Bernstein cited increased rent, food prices, and labor costs as the main reasons for closing. The deli struggled with higher operating expenses and changes in customer patterns after the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors contributed to the decision to shutter after four decades.</p>
<h2>Was Ben's Best Kosher Deli affiliated with other restaurants of a similar name?</h2>
<p>No, Ben's Best Kosher Deli was not affiliated with Ben’s Deli in Queens or Ben's Kosher Delicatessen in Long Island. The Midtown location operated independently for its entire 40-year run.</p>
<h2>What will happen to the space on 46th Street and Sixth Avenue?</h2>
<p>The building's landlord has not announced a new tenant yet. The storefront is expected to be listed for lease in July. There are no details on what type of business may replace the deli at this time.</p>