Katz’s Deli, the renowned New York City eatery famous for its hefty sandwiches, is set to make a return to St. Louis this summer as part of the Foodies Eat First Fest. Scheduled for August 22 to August 23, this annual food festival promises a diverse selection of culinary delights, with Katz’s standout offerings sure to attract local and visiting food enthusiasts alike.
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Having debuted at last year’s event, Katz’s Deli reportedly sold over 500 pounds of its prized pastrami, a testament to the deli’s enduring popularity. The festival’s officials have noted the enthusiastic reaction from attendees, prompting Katz’s decision to participate again this year. A spokesperson for the deli expressed excitement about returning and remarked, “It was amazing to see the positive response and level of excitement from festival-goers last summer. Our carving team loves to travel, and we are looking forward to making more pastrami dreams a reality.”
Foodies Eat First Fest is known for showcasing curated culinary offerings from St. Louis and other regions, featuring not just food vendors but also skilled chefs and mixologists. The festival’s founder, an influencer identified as @BradENstl, described the Katz’s experience as “the only authentic Katz’s experience outside of New York.” This sentiment highlights the deli’s significant cultural presence and its ability to transport patrons back to its storied origins.
The festival is more than just a celebration of food; it also has a philanthropic aspect. As stated on its website, last year’s event raised nearly $7,000 for local tornado relief efforts and $2,000 for The Trevor Project, a non-profit organisation focused on LGBTQ+ youth support. The organisers have indicated that this year’s proceeds will similarly be reinvested into community initiatives.
Katz’s Deli has recently undergone notable changes back in New York as well. After a year-long restoration, the establishment has reopened its Ludlow Room, a historic dining area that had not been used since 1949. This space had originally been converted into a walk-in refrigerator for storing meats. The restoration effort has returned the Ludlow Room to its former glory, complete with original tin ceilings and period-inspired decor. Owner Jake Dell described the transformation as reminiscent of the deli’s appearance from 80 years ago.
“The reopening marks one of the most significant physical transformations in Katz’s modern history,” a spokesperson elaborated. Dell emphasised that the changes would allow for increased capacity, aiming to improve customer experience by reducing lengthy wait times that had reportedly spiked, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent surge in TikTok-driven interest in the deli.
The rejuvenated Ludlow Room, which can accommodate private events and film shoots, showcases the deli’s commitment to adapting to contemporary demands while preserving its rich heritage. Each pound of meat served at the establishment from 1949 onward was weighed using the same freight scale that now resides in the restored room.
As Katz’s Deli prepares to showcase its iconic fare at the Foodies Eat First Fest, it not only brings a taste of New York to St. Louis but also reinforces the importance of community engagement through culinary arts. With its storied history, commitment to quality, and innovative transformations, Katz’s continues to be a beloved staple for food lovers across the nation. As August approaches, excitement builds for the festival, where attendees will once again have the chance to experience the authentic flavours of one of New York’s most cherished delicatessens.