Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Ben’s Deli moving on without Ben on Avenue B

Text and photos by Stacie Joy

There’s an upbeat atmosphere at Ben’s Deli on Avenue B this Thursday night. 

Local tall man Bobby is playing a DJ set from atop a stack of milk crates and plywood as curious passersby duck into the store and dance to his synth-driven set of house and disco.
Driving this festive mood: it’s being announced that Ben Gibran has sold his eponymous deli and is retiring after almost 50 years in the business.
At one point, Ben, his wife, and five sons: Mo, Ahmed, Haas, Gamal, and Ali owned six delis (plus a pizza shop) in the East Village. The last of the storefronts at 32 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street is in contract to be sold, and Ben’s keeping it in the family, selling it to a cousin, Sammy Ksem, who is present tonight...
... along with Haas (below) behind the counter ...
... and Mo...
... and Glenn, a longtime employee...
Also on hand: the new in-store vendor Los Tacos Poca Madre, which serves housemade potato chips, a tasty fruit salad with hot sauce — not to mention traditional Mexican food.
Meanwhile, people come into the store to celebrate Ben’s long tenure as a local business owner.
As much as I am happy about Ben’s retirement, I can’t help but also be a bit sad. I’ve known Ben since I was a teenager and knowing I won’t see him and his kids and grandkids here gives me a pang of sadness. 

Ben’s Deli has been a meeting place, a shelter in the storm (literally – Ben fed the neighborhood during the dark aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012), a place to grab a frosty drink, some munchies, a travel-size bottle of mouthwash/toothbrush/toothpaste combo pack, and back in the day: loosies, lotto tix, rolling papers. 

It’s had a starring role in the Netflix series “Russian Doll” and my heart. It always smells faintly of smoke; some products don’t have any business in a bodega — or do they? — and a revolving cast of characters who can explore EBT fraud, middle-of-the-night Maalox purchases, and a mix-and-match 6-pack of beer.
However, best of all is catching Ben “in the office” — his maroon Chevy Astro van parked out front. He’ll most likely be reading an expired Jetro Restaurant Supply Store brochure, chain-smoking and talking on his ancient flip phone.
While Sammy reports he has no plans to change the name, Ben’s kids won’t be working there anymore — and neither will Ben. Another familiar face, Uncle, a longtime employee, recently had a serious medical setback and hasn’t been able to get back behind the register. 

When I ask why now, Ben tells me he’s tired and old and just ready to stop working. “I can’t do it anymore, Stacie; it’s time,” he says, offering a comforting pat on my shoulder. He smiles.
An official retirement party is in the works. Stay tuned for details.

Find previous coverage here.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I’ve lived in the building across the street for 30 years and know Ben and his sons well… Happy Retirement Ben, thanks for being a lovely presence in the neighborhood and my life. I mirror Stacie’s poignant words.

Anonymous said...

A Joy of a piece!

Anonymous said...

I will miss Mo's upbeat patter.

Anonymous said...

I'll miss em - was always a great place to smoke inside. Thanks for the memories.

Laura Goggin said...

I love Ben's Deli - what a wonderful family, and I wish them the best.

Thanks to Stacie for this great reporting!

Joon said...

Born & raised on 3rd n B for 45yrs, I consider Ben & the boys as Fam. Sucks to see Benny go, but he's been grinding azz butt off since I can remember. Well deserved retirement & I pray he makes the BEST of it!!!!
#BensDeliForever

Anonymous said...

Happy retirement! Hopefully he made enough to retire.. works so hard! Long hours dealing w so many in the EV.

Sarah said...

I can't even imagine the workload involved in running more than one bodega! Happy retirement, Ben.

Anonymous said...

Sending my love to Ben and his family. They will always be a staple in the neighborhood. Many wonderful memories that will forever be cherished. Thank you Ben!

Anonymous said...

Ben's is one of the spots I miss most since I left the hood last spring. It's an anchor of the block and the neighborhood. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. ❤️

Pennys herb co said...

God bless you♥️🥊
You served our community well🥇

Anonymous said...

Sad news. They were such a very nice group of people working there

Anonymous said...

I love Ben’s Deli! and the very special family Ben has raised. Always there to provide my daily Guinness with a smile and uplifting conversation! I’ve know the boys since they were little - I’ve lived around the corner for 30 years. I’m very sad to see them go!! I but wish much success in future ventures for the boys- a swift recovery for Uncle, and peace and relaxation to Ben. I’m so sorry I’m out of town and can’t be part of the official celebration. -but hope to still be somehow connected.