Shocking! Colorado's Only Kosher Grocer Faces Foreclosure—What Happens Next Will Leave You Speechless!

The East Side Kosher Deli, a cornerstone of Jewish life in Colorado and the state’s only fully kosher grocer, is now facing foreclosure of its real estate in Glendale. Owner Joshua Horowitz, who goes by Shua, announced via email that he has decided to sell the business. In his message, he expressed optimism about the future, stating that the new owners are a community-based group of investors committed to enhancing the deli's legacy. “I am confident that under their leadership, the deli will thrive and evolve in exciting new ways,” he wrote.

The deli, located at 499 S. Elm St., has a rich history, having been in operation for 35 years. Horowitz took a significant gamble when he purchased the deli in 2015 from Marcy and Michael Schreiber, who had owned it since 1997. At the time, Horowitz was a 36-year-old telecom employee from New York who had never even visited Denver. His investments in renovations gave the deli a unique flair, incorporating diverse menu items such as sushi alongside traditional Jewish favorites. “Our most popular dishes are a toss-up between Korean short ribs or fajitas,” he remarked during an interview in 2022.

Despite its popularity, East Side Kosher Deli has struggled financially. Court records reveal that the business has substantial debts, including a lawsuit filed by FinWise Bank after allegedly defaulting on a $2.7 million U.S. Small Business Administration loan from 2015. The deli owes $2.1 million, prompting the bank to seek foreclosure on its Glendale property. Additionally, it has an outstanding debt of $13,000 to a New York food vendor. Julie Lieber, chief Jewish life and engagement officer at Jewish Colorado, emphasized the importance of the deli in sustaining the local Jewish community, stating, “It is very hard to sustain a Jewish community without one kosher deli, just as you need a Jewish school or synagogue.”

Given the constraints of kosher laws, which require establishments to close on Fridays and Saturdays for Shabbat, maintaining a profitable kosher business can be particularly challenging. Horowitz has acknowledged this hurdle, noting the necessity for diversity in the menu to attract a broader customer base. “We have to be diverse because we’re one of the only exclusively kosher restaurants,” he said.

The deli has garnered attention well beyond Glendale, often serving as a destination for those within the Jewish community across the region. In fact, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported in 2015 that East Side Kosher Deli was the only full-service kosher meat restaurant for 700 miles in any direction. “We just met somebody who drove four hours to do their Passover shopping there,” Lieber shared, further illustrating the deli's significance.

Horowitz's email to customers indicated that the transition of ownership will take a few months, and he promised to keep them informed as the process unfolds. “It has been a privilege to serve you, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of community support in this new chapter for the deli.

As the sale progresses, many in the community are hopeful that the deli can continue to play an essential role in their lives, ensuring that the unique flavors and traditions of kosher cuisine remain vibrant in Colorado.