Deli may be disappearing, but not here in Michigan. Most are going strong and are well supported.
Now, after saying that, I think Tony's is closed. I used to drive by there often, but recently moved a bit east of there. I'll should be by there in the next few days and will check it out for you!
Originally Posted by
jetBlueNYFL
Deli is already sadly disappearing. The generation that brought deli to NY from eastern Europe is gone. The kids now running those delis are dealing with much slimmer margins due to higher costs and/or a willingness of consumers to not pay more (compared to a decent 8-10 oz. steak, you get the same amount of meat of high quality on a deli sandwich for less than half the price), changed eating habits (either more sophisticated like sushi or healthy options or chain restaurants), and overall a disconnect. Yes, some delis in some neighborhoods still thrive, but in the grand scheme of things, deli has declined and continues to do so. You need to read the book for the many statistics given.
Being from MI, have you eaten at Tony's Embers? I'm willing to make a trip up there just for that experience.
I wouldn't 'run' to Ben's...maybe I am biased because the original Ben's was only 10-15 minutes away while growing up and it was the best deli around at the time. Somewhat commercialized, but the food is delicious for what it is...and most importantly, consistent. I've also befriended the mangers and servers.
I can't believe I left out Katz's in my OP. Katz's is hands down the BEST deli.
Supposedly Larry King eats breakfast there every morning.
You must! Expect a line out the door, rushed counter service and on AWESOME hole-in-the-wall experience! The food was simply amazing. It's supposedly the oldest Jewish deli in the country still run by the same family. My grandmother lived across the street in the 20s and ate there! It's not kosher so they also have MD crab cakes (didn't try one due to time constraints and the already large feast I ate there).