Russ & Daughters
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food retail |
| Founded | 1914 |
| Founder | Joel Russ |
| Headquarters | Manhattan, New York City , United States |
Area served | New York City, United States |
Key people | Josh Russ Tupper, Niki Russ Federman |
| Products | Appetizing store products (e.g., smoked fish, caviar, bagels) |
| Website | www |
Russ & Daughters is a renowned appetizing store established in 1914, situated at 179 East Houston Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side. This family-run enterprise has continuously operated from this address since 1920.
History
The business was initiated by Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant originally from Strzyżów, Poland, who began serving the Jewish immigrant community on the Lower East Side around 1905. His initial offerings included Polish mushrooms and pickled herring, leading to the opening of J Russ International Appetizers in 1914 near the current location.
In 1920, Russ secured the store’s present site. By 1933, he rebranded the business as "Russ and Daughters" after appointing his three daughters—Hattie, Anne, and Ida—as partners. This choice was unconventional at the time since most enterprises typically featured sons in such roles; Russ prioritized sustaining the business over traditional customs. The daughters were actively involved full-time immediately following their high school education, playing key roles in daily operations.
During the 1970s, food writer Calvin Trillin spotlighted Russ & Daughters in The New Yorker, significantly boosting its public profile.
The 2008 PBS documentary The Jews of New York highlighted three generations of the Russ family, emphasizing their enduring legacy and effective management. Joel’s grandson, Mark Russ Federman, authored Russ & Daughters: Reflections and Recipes from the House That Herring Built in 2013, further cementing the brand’s cultural and commercial significance.
In 2013, Russ & Daughters became the first restaurant to receive the Jewish Cultural Achievement Award, acknowledging its industry impact and sustained growth.
The 2014 documentary The Sturgeon Queens featured surviving daughters Anne Russ Federman and Hattie Russ Gold, underscoring the company’s lasting family leadership.
Today, fourth-generation relatives Josh Russ Tupper and Niki Russ Federman oversee operations, continuing to secure the company’s strong position within the appetizing sector.
In recognition of its centennial milestone in 2015, the New York State Senate passed a resolution honoring Russ & Daughters for its substantial contributions to local commerce and cultural heritage.
Additional locations
In May 2014, cousins Tupper and Federman expanded the brand by opening Russ & Daughters Café on Orchard Street, broadening its presence.
Later that year, a café was introduced at the Jewish Museum, which commenced operations in February 2016 but has since ceased functioning.
Early in 2019, Russ & Daughters launched an 18,000-square-foot facility at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, representing a major advancement in their global business expansion.
On July 18, 2023, Tupper and Federman inaugurated a new 4,500-square-foot outlet near Hudson Yards, reinforcing their strategic positioning within key market areas.
In popular culture
Josh Russ Tupper presented hallmark offerings like the Chopped Liver and the Oy Vey Schmear sandwich on The Martha Stewart Show, demonstrating the company's culinary mastery.
Russ & Daughters has been highlighted on NPR's Leonard Lopate Show as well as WNYC’s "Last Chance Foods," showcasing its significance in cultural and commercial realms.
The establishment made appearances in two episodes of the television series Louie and also featured in the movie Lola Versus, increasing its visibility among wider audiences.
Anthony Bourdain featured Russ & Daughters in the 'Disappearing Manhattan' segment of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Season 5, Episode 6), emphasizing its prominence within the food industry.
In 2021, Russ & Daughters was named by the Financial Times as one of the "50 greatest food stores in the world," reinforcing its strong market position and competitive edge.
See also
References
- Further reading
- "A fourth-generation business, Russ & Daughters exemplifies the trusted entrepreneurs shaping this city." The New York Times Magazine
External links
- 1914 establishments in New York City
- Appetizing stores
- Ashkenazi Jewish restaurants
- Food and drink companies of the United States
- American companies established in 1914
- Food and drink companies established in 1914
- Retail companies established in 1914
- Jewish delicatessens in New York City
- Jews and Judaism in Manhattan
- Lower East Side
- Polish-Jewish culture in New York City
- Delicatessens in Manhattan
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment