Russ & Daughters

New York City appetizing store

Russ & Daughters is a renowned appetizing store located in New York City, known for its high-quality smoked fish, caviar, and other traditional Jewish delicacies. Established in 1914, it has become a cultural and culinary icon, celebrated for its rich history and commitment to quality.

History

Russ & Daughters storefront

Russ & Daughters was founded by Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, who initially started selling herring from a pushcart on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. In 1914, he opened a brick-and-mortar store on Orchard Street, which later moved to its current location at 179 East Houston Street.

In a pioneering move for the time, Joel Russ made his three daughters, Hattie, Ida, and Anne, partners in the business, leading to the store's name, "Russ & Daughters." This was a significant decision, as it was uncommon for women to be included in business names during that era.

Products

Russ & Daughters is famous for its wide array of smoked fish, including lox, nova, and sturgeon. The store also offers a variety of bagels, cream cheese, and other traditional Jewish foods such as herring, caviar, and knishes.

The store is particularly known for its "Super Heebster" sandwich, which combines whitefish and baked salmon salad with horseradish dill cream cheese and wasabi flying fish roe on a bagel.

Cultural Impact

Josh Russ Tupper and Niki Russ Federman

Russ & Daughters has been featured in numerous publications and media, including The New York Times, and has been praised by culinary figures such as Anthony Bourdain. It is considered a quintessential New York institution, embodying the city's diverse culinary heritage.

The store has also been the subject of documentaries and books, highlighting its role in preserving Jewish culinary traditions and its impact on New York's food culture.

Expansion

In recent years, Russ & Daughters has expanded beyond its original location. In 2014, the family opened the Russ & Daughters Café on Orchard Street, offering a sit-down dining experience with a menu that includes many of the store's classic offerings.

In 2016, they opened a location at the Jewish Museum in New York City, further cementing their status as a cultural and culinary landmark.

Current Management

The business is currently run by the fourth generation of the Russ family, Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper, who continue to uphold the traditions and quality standards set by their ancestors.

Related Pages

• Appetizing store
• Jewish cuisine
• Lower East Side
• Lox

Russ & Daughters logo

Russ & Daughters Café