Kosher Style Deli Coming to Downtown Hoboken

Hoboken's historic Jewish community will soon have a new place to get traditional Kosher style food. Coming in January, Hoboken on Rye will open at 164 First St.

“I always thought there was a need for a Kosher deli in Hoboken,” said owner Jon Blair

The deli will be Kosher style, but will also sell officially Kosher products sanctioned by a rabbi. The deli will feature traditional staples such as corned beef, coleslaw, pastrami, pickles, matzoh ball soup, fresh rye bread and hot dogs, plus a variety of cakes, cookies and candies.

“Everyone loves Kosher delis,” Blair said. “We can't wait to bring this to Hoboken."

Though it won't have any indoor seating, Hoboken on Rye will offer takeout service and catered platters.

This is Blair's first business venture. He is only 23 years old. He studied the restaurant and hotel business at Penn State, and also in France, and previously worked at the W Hotel.

“I figured I love doing this, so why not have my own place,” he said.

For Blair, not only is Hoboken on Rye his first business, but a return to his heritage. His family has lived in Hoboken since the 19th century. In the 1890's his ancestors owned a kosher chicken market on Willow Avenue.

His family has passed down many recipes through the generations, which is how Blair first developed his interest in food. He now wants to continue the tradition.

“I would always cook with my grandmother, that's where I got the interest,” Blair said. “I always knew I wanted to be in the restaurant business.”

Blair is related to everyone who will work at Hoboken on Rye. His mother will maintain the decor, his father will run the cash register, his sister will handle the office, and his cousin will service customers at the counter.

“It's an all-family business, that's one of the best things about it,” Blair said.

Coming soon: an Indian restaurant comes to Washington Street, a spa renovates, and a drum shop celebrates one year.

The Business Beat covers businesses opening, closing and relocating in the Mile Square. Have a Hoboken related business tip? Send an email to alanskontra@hotmail.com.