The Zabar’s Podcast
The Zabar’s Podcast explores the history and personalities behind one of New York City’s most beloved grocery stores. In each episode, 4th-generation deli man Willie Zabar dives into a different aspect of the store through conversations with employees, customers, and culinary experts.
Episodes
Episode 0: Trailer
A taste of our first mini-season! Stay tuned for Episode 1 which premieres on May 17th, 2021.
Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0
Trailer Transcript
Episode 1: Welcome to Zabar's
This inaugural episode serves as an introduction to all things Zabar’s. Willie leads a virtual tour through every department of the store, showcasing the voices of employees along the way. Featuring street interviews with real customers and conversations with co-owners Stanley and Saul Zabar.
Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0
Episode 1 Transcript
Episode 2: The Coffee
In this episode, Willie learns all about the Coffee Department. Co-owner Saul Zabar speaks about his 50 years of experience selecting the coffee beans, and Executive Director David Zabar offers a glimpse into how the store handles more than 400,000 pounds of coffee per year. Later, Willie puts on an apron and learns how to scoop and grind beans from Eric in the Zabar’s Coffee Department. Also hear from professional coffee expert Erika Vonie about the science and techniques behind brewing the perfect cup of joe.
See more from Erika Vonie on her website or @Erikavonie on instagram.
Watch Saul Zabar in “Spilling the Beans” on YouTube.
Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0
Episode 2 Transcript
Episode 3: Our Founders
In this episode, Willie learns all about the store’s founders, Louis and Lillian Zabar (who also happen to be his great-grandparents). Featuring an in-depth conversation with official Family Historian Lori Zabar, previously unreleased archival interviews, and testimonials from people who knew this legendary couple. Learn all about Louis and Lillian’s lives in Ukraine, their escape from the pogroms, and how they started a family business that still thrives today.
Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0
Episode 3 Transcript
Episode 4 : The Book
In this episode, Willie takes a look inside the new book Zabar’s: A Family Story, with Recipes by Lori Zabar. Hear excerpts from the text along with newly uncovered archival recordings and original interviews. This episode is dedicated to Lori, who tragically passed away in February 2022.
Click here to order your copy today!
Theme music: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik allegro” performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0
Episode 4 Transcript
Meet the Team
Willie Zabar: Creator & Host
Willie Zabar is a stand-up and character comedian from New York City. He has performed at the Brooklyn Comedy Festival, NYC Sketchfest, the 5th Borough Comedy Festival, and the Nantucket Comedy Festival.
Instagram: @williezabar
Website: williezabar.com
Emily Charash: Producer
Emily Charash is an audio engineer and podcast producer based in NYC. She has produced podcasts in the genres of language learning, academia, medicine, comedy, and society/culture.
Instagram: @emilycharash
Website: orionmediaproduction.com
Henry Butler: Sound Recordist/Editor
Henry Butler is a post-production audio editor, mixer and sound recordist. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Technology at NYU and has recently worked on podcast projects such as When No One’s Watching and Rugby Jubbly.
Instagram: @henbut
Website: henrybutlersound.com
Contact Us
podcast@zabars.com