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Stanley Zabar’s legacy extends far beyond iconic NYC grocery store as New Yorkers remember his lasting impact
Stanley Zabar, who died aged 94 this week, helped turn his family’s smoked-fish business into Zabar’s, a much-loved New York grocery institution. Those who knew him say his legacy also rests on decades of generosity and support for people and organisations across the city.
With his wife Judith, he backed Hunter College scholarships, student food assistance, arts programmes and library renovations. He also supported aspiring chefs through the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, medical education and research at NYU Langone Health, and performing arts at Symphony Space, where he and his daughter Lori served on the board.
In short
- Stanley Zabar helped build Zabar’s into a New York institution.
- His philanthropy supported students, chefs, medical research and the arts.
- Those who knew him remember his generosity and forward-looking outlook.
Explained simply
Zabar’s began as a family smoked-fish business and grew into a well-known grocery store on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Stanley Zabar helped build it into a New York institution, associated with prepared foods and traditional Jewish specialities.
The family’s influence also extended through charitable giving. Stanley and his wife, Judith, supported education, food assistance, medical research and the arts, including programmes at Hunter College and Symphony Space. Their work shows how a family business can become connected to wider community life.