Episode 47 - 100 Years of Pastrami and Pride: The Story of Hobby’s Delicatessen

Step into the heart of downtown Newark and through the doors of Hobby’s Delicatessen, a century-old institution where tradition, family, and flavor come together. In this episode, we sit down with brothers Marc and Michael Brummer, second-generation owners of the iconic Jewish deli their father purchased in 1962.

Raised among the clatter of plates and the aroma of corned beef, Marc and Michael share what it was like growing up at Hobby’s, learning the ropes from their dad and watching Newark evolve over the decades. From feeding everyday regulars to serving celebrities, presidents, and Supreme Court justices, the Brummers treat every customer with the same warmth and respect.

The menu is a tribute—to Jewish deli classics, to years gone by, and to the remarkable women in their lives: their mother, their aunt, and their beloved grandmother Meema, whose influence was so profound she could fill an entire episode herself. Every bite tells a story, and every corner of the deli feels like a living scrapbook. You can feel the family, the legacy, and the love in the walls. Their parents—and Meema—would be proud.

But Hobby’s isn’t just about preserving the past. With a full-page gluten-free menu, Mediterranean platters, and the wildly popular California Sandwich series, Hobby’s continues to thrive by embracing modern tastes while staying true to its roots. It’s this blend of tradition and innovation that keeps the deli a cherished staple in Newark’s ever-evolving landscape.

This isn’t just a deli. It’s a time capsule, a gathering place, and a story of resilience and reinvention—served with a side of the best pastrami you’ll ever taste.