Ben's Deli is really truly ready to reopen SOON

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Temp signage went up this week at Ben's Deli, the closed-for-renovations market at 32 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street. 

Owner Sammy Ksem (pictured above left with Sam) said a new permanent sign is coming. However, they want to make sure the new one is correct. In August, the city made Sammy remove the previously new sign, saying it was too large. The city also hit him with a $6,000 fine. 

Sammy said he is frustrated with how long the renovations have dragged on at the shop. (They closed in September 2023.)

However, Ben's is ready to reopen ANY DAY NOW...

The space includes a revamped deli counter with, among other items, an all-day breakfast...

There's also a party in the works to welcome the neighborhood back. 

Meanwhile, you can still expect to see previous longtime (40-plus years!) owner Ben Gibran and his family at the shop. Ben sold the business to his cousin Sammy in early 2023 and has remained a presence here... chain smoking in his van outside while watching Snakes of Africa videos on YouTube.

A signage setback at Ben's Deli

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

You may have noticed that the newish new sign at Ben's Deli (and now with a & Grill) disappeared this past week. 

Owner Sammy Ksem (pictured above) told us that the sign (see below) that went up in February at the under-renovation shop at 32 Avenue B was "too deep/too big." Aside from levying a $6,000 fine, the city made them remove it. 

So Sammy and company ordered a new one, which they hope will arrive within the next week. Sammy seemed philosophical about the fine but eager for the store to be approved and opened.

It has been slow going to date. The market between Second Street and Third Street temporarily closed this past September for renovations, including new shelving and lighting. Longtime owner (40-plus years!) and Avenue B legend Ben Gibran sold the business last year to his cousin Sammy.

Ben is still around ... and oversees the work and watches wildlife videos from his office van.

Signage alert: Ben's Deli gains a Grill on Avenue B

Photo and reporting by Stacie Joy

The renovations at Ben's Deli on Avenue B, an establishment here for 40-plus years, took a significant step forward yesterday with the arrival of new signage. 

The business name has been expanded to include a "& Grill" in the name, marking a new chapter in its history. (While the signage sentiment in the EVG newsroom was wholly positive, we are waiting for EV Signage and Font Troll to weigh in...)

The market between Second Street and Third Street temporarily closed this past September for renovations, including new shelving and lighting  ... an expected move after longtime owner and Avenue B legend Ben Gibran sold the business earlier last year to a cousin, Sammy Ksem. (Don't worry — Ben still hangs out here. See below.)

Ben's Deli, which played a pivotal role in season one of "Russian Doll" on Netflix not to mention a Kim Petras video, is expected to be back open in the weeks ahead, which is rather vague, though you try to get Con Ed and the Department of Buildings scheduled for the necessary approvals. 

Last evening, the sign was lit, so to speak... 

Ben was outside in The Office (aka his Astro van). When I asked him if he liked it, he said, "Yes, looks good, right? Nice. Very nice." Then, he fired up a cigarette and continued watching a nature video on his iPad.

A look at the under-renovation Ben's Deli on Avenue B

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Interior renovations are progressing at Ben's Deli, 32 Avenue B, between Second Street and Third Street.

The market temporarily closed in September for the work... an expected move after longtime owner and Avenue B folk hero Ben Gibran sold the business earlier last year to a cousin, Sammy Ksem. 

Here's a look ... upgrades include new shelving and light fixtures...

Ben's Deli, which played a pivotal role in season one of "Russian Doll" on Netflix, is expected to be back open in another month (or so).

Even with the renovations, Ben's regulars can still be found outside the shop, commiserating on the day's events. And despite his retirement, Ben still pops by a few times a week. We've spotted him watching lions of the Serengeti videos on an iPad from his office, aka his Astro van parked on B.

This past fall, before the renovations really kicked in, the gang used the space in the evening to play dominos ... and to finish drinking the leftover Bud and Coors Light from the cold but denuded store shelves...

Ben's Deli is temporarily closed for renovations

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Ben's Deli is now temporarily closed for renovations here at 32 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street. 

This was expected after longtime owner Ben Gibran sold the business earlier this year to a cousin, Sammy Ksem. 

The shop, expected to be closed for two to three months, will still go by Ben's Deli. 

Here's a look at the last night... as the shelves were thinned out ...

You can also expect the return of the excellent in-store vendor Los Tacos Poca Madre...

On the last night, Haas was behind the counter...

... as well as Ben, making a rare return to this spot where he greeted generations of customers...

We still hope to see Ben on the block from time to time...

[Updated] Why Kim Petras was at Ben's Deli on Avenue B

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Fresh from a GovBall appearance, history-making Grammy winner (for "Unholy," her collaboration with Sam Smith) Kim Petras was at Ben's Deli yesterday at 32 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street. 

She was there to shoot a video ahead of the release of her new album out on June 23 and accompanying tour. 

And why Ben's? The deli is known to location scouts these days after serving as a pivotal location for "Russian Doll" season 1.

And here's a photo (of a photo!) of Petras with the Ben's team (they said she was very friendly)...

And if this outfit looks familiar, it was apparently Petras then wearing the armor in Tompkins Square Park a little later in the day.

Meanwhile, you can read up on Petras in this recent New Yorker profile.

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.

Ben's Deli returns, and there's a new pop-up taco shop inside

Ben's Deli reopened this week on Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street, as EVG contributor Stacie Joy reports.

The family-owned market, here for the past 45 years, temporarily closed on April 19 as concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak grew.

For now, Ben's will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, visitors to Ben's will find a new pop-up vendor renting the deli counter...



Ruben Cardoso (above, left) and Enrique Jardines are behind the still-unnamed Mexican spot. (Jardine previously ran Boticarios on First Street.)

The two are serving Mexican street food for breakfast, lunch and dinner ... specializing in tacos and quesadillas. Salad bowls are also available. The hours for now are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.







Previously on EV Grieve:
The last night, for now, at Ben's Deli

On Avenue B, Ben's Deli is closing for now; first time in 45 years

Farmwich pops up with speciality sandwiches at Ben's Deli on Avenue B

The last night, for now, at Ben's Deli

Text and photos by Stacie Joy

"Stacie, I promise you, we'll be back," Ben says this past Sunday evening, while gesturing with his cigarette. "We have a long lease. We've been here for 45 years. We will come back. When all this is over."

He tries to finish his smoke before heading back in the deli on Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street to grab some hummus for the road, but forgets that he's wearing a face mask and has to maneuver things around in order for the cigarette to find its target.



Ben's youngest son, Gamal, is packing up some cereal and snacks for Ben's grandkids back home. Meanwhile, store employee Glenn is carting perishables into Ben's "office," his Astro van parked across the street. A few people come in to say goodbye and grab some last-minute supplies. The mood is somber.





There's still some milk and yogurt left on the shelves, which Ben offers to me as I take some final images. I know there is social distancing in place, and I am also wearing a mask, so I don't know if he can see I am moved by the shuttering of the store. I wish I could touch his arm, communicate in some way how sorry I am that this is happening.





"I worry about you and the neighborhood," he says. "There's crime now, much worse that it was before. People have no work, no jobs, and soon, no money for rent. Then what will happen? Not good. Take care, be careful."

His son steps around the figure sleeping on the sidewalk in front of the store in order to pull the gate down. Ben shakes his head, climbs in his van and takes off for home.





Previously on EV Grieve:
On Avenue B, Ben's Deli is closing for now; first time in 45 years