In a press release on Thursday, February 4, it was announced that Shep's Delicatessen will open its doors later this month in East Nashville.
Spearheaded by Nashville restauranteurs Howard Greenstone, Ken Levitan, and Pennington Pribbenow, the classic Jewish deli will occupy the former Marche space and bring housemade pastrami, corned beef, chopped liver, and traditional egg creams to the East Nashville neighborhood and beyond.
A passion project for Howard Greenstone, Shep's is named after his beloved grandfather Israel "Shep" Shapiro, who instilled a love of Jewish cuisine in him at an early age. When he made the move to Nashville from Manhattan in 2019, Greenstone found a wonderful Jewish community but was unable to find the food he was looking for, and thus the idea for Shep's was born.
“We are so excited to take over this space and transform it into Shep’s Deli," says Greenstone. "I have made it my mission to bring this food to Nashville, and many of these recipes came directly from my Grandma Jean and Grandpa Shep’s cookbook that I was so lucky to inherit. We can’t wait to share these dishes with the community!”
The kitchen will be led by Jonathan Londer, a Los Angeles native who, like Greenstone, also grew up in a Jewish household surrounded by food and family. Having worked in everything from fine dining in Beverly Hills to BBQ in Kansas City, Londer is thrilled to finally get back to his Jewish roots at Shep's Delicatessen.
On the lunch and dinner menus, guests will find an assortment of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and entrees, as well as standout items including Grandma Jean's Matzo Ball Soup and Loaded Reuben Fries. As an ode to Nashville, both menus will also include a few items with a Southern twist like pimento cheese, schmear on a biscuit, and eggs with grits and smoked salmon.
Shep's Delicatessen will feature a full bar and serve a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, including Shep's personal favorite The Presbyterian, made with bourbon, club soda, and ginger ale.
Upon opening, Shep's will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with all-day breakfast. Post-pandemic, locals and tourists alike will be able to enjoy Shep's extensive menu of Jewish classics 24-hours every Thursday through Sunday.
Shep's Deli, 1000 Main Street; shepsdeli.com