After nearly five years in business, Sam and Gertie’s, the world’s first vegan Jewish deli located in Uptown, will be closing its doors. The owner, Andy Kalish, cited a lack of energy as the reason for the closure. However, he plans to open a new breakfast spot next door to narrow his focus.
Kalish named the restaurant after his grandparents, Sam Stuart and Gertrude Brandt, who inspired him to honor his family through this unique dining experience. Despite their passing away, Kalish felt that it was time for Sam and Gertie’s to come to an end.
The staff at Sam and Gertie’s were seen prepping food for Memorial Day weekend in their production kitchen on Thursday morning. When asked about his decision to open a vegan deli, Kalish explained on the restaurant’s website that as a child learning about the Torah, he believed that caring for animals and the earth was central to Judaism. He expressed a belief that if the Torah were written today, it would advocate for a vegan lifestyle and treating animals and the environment with respect.
Sam and Gertie’s will be open for one last weekend from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday before permanently closing.
