Their slogan is “Established before you were born.” Assuming they keep doing what they’ve been doing for more than a century, they will likely be around well after many of us are gone, too.
Run by the Brummer family since 1962, Hobby’s Deli is a fixture in downtown Newark. Mayor Ras Baraka and other city leaders gathered Thursday to say thank you — with a side of their famous corned beef, pastrami and a matzo ball soup.
The spot was given a proclamation in recognition of being named one of the top 10 delis in the country by Food and Wine, and as one of the best Jewish delis in America, according to The Takeout — the only New Jersey restaurant named on the publication’s list for 2026.
“We want to thank you for being invested and being a Newark partner, and being here with us. Looking forward to many more decades,” said Central Ward Councilwoman Amina Bey.
The Brummer brothers are still running the Jewish deli their parents bought in 1962. Marc Brummer said their parents passed down three rules for a successful business: buy good merchandise, go the extra mile for customers, and…
“Never let anyone leave hungry. After all, with a bit of bad luck, that could be you. Run your shop with compassion,” said Marc Brummer.
Over the decades, Hobby’s has given back to Newark and beyond, even shipping almost 30 tons of salami to troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Brummer brothers say being voted one of the best delis in the U.S. is nice, but the hometown honor is special.
“This is every bit about Newark, the home we love, as it is about us,” said Marc.
Brummer said that he and his brother don’t run Hobby’s to be the best deli in the state or America. They run it to be better than yesterday.
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