09/19/2022
Memories last forever, and I hope that the food and staff at Rosenfeld’s in Ocean City has provided many memories for you over the past 10 seasons. However, all good things must eventually come to an end, so I am sad to announce that THE ROSENFELD’S LOCATION IN OCEAN CITY WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSING ON THE EVENING OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 24.
Just to put any rumors to rest, please note that our business is healthy and fine. We are not closing the Ocean City location due to lack of business. The truth is, our lease is up (for the 4th time), and the landlord (a fantastic landlord) is willing to give us a 4th extension, but this time they can give us only an 11 month extension. Our building, equipment and HVAC all need a very substantial investment in order to last even for just another 11 months. This is on top of other substantial investments in the physical plant over the past 3 years. Economically, it just makes no sense to do so again. We won’t be able to recoup this next investment even should we stay open. (This is not a crowd-funding appeal.) So, the decision was made to instead close.
As for relocating this location, that remains a possibility, but a perfect mid-town, turnkey location would have to be made available, at a very reasonable rent. Even then, we’d have to get most of the staff back together again. It remains to be seen if any of this is a possibility.
Should this location not be relocated, please know how grateful we are for your business and friendship over these past 10 years. Ocean City and the surrounding area truly embraced Rosenfeld’s, and we hope you know how much we truly loved you too. The OC location has more than 17,000 Facebook followers. We won numerous awards, including OC’s Best Carryout of 2022. Don’t be sad that this location is closing. Be amazed instead that it was ever able to open and thrive in Ocean City. If we were able to bring back memories of your grandma’s matzo ball soup, your Mom’s kugel, or your family trip as a youth to Lombard Street or to Murray Avenue, then our mission was accomplished. It was a mission that we took seriously. We were in the business of selling memories.
This location gave rise to the Rosenfeld’s brand, and a total of 6 locations, plus a food truck, were eventually opened. None of it would have been possible without the talent, incredibly hard work, dedication and loyalty of our Ocean City general manager, Tammy Dubin. Tammy and I were introduced to each other via email by the late Matt Haley about 2 months before we opened our doors, and Tammy has been there since that time. She is truly one of a kind, a corned beef whisperer, and I am blessed that Matt Haley introduced me to her. Tammy cared more about your food, and about your enjoyment of it, than is humanly possible. If you loved your meal, she’s the reason why. Please thank her before October 24. Thanks also to Jeff Osias, our first general manager, and to everyone who ever worked for us in Ocean City. You all contributed or taught us something in your own special way, and for that, thank you.
Should we not reopen in Ocean City, please know that you can get some great Rosenfeld’s sandwiches and other items just 8 miles north at our South Bethany location (34444 Coastal Highway), or, get the full Jewish deli experience, including a full breakfast menu, at our Rehoboth Beach location (18949 Coastal Highway). For those not in the resort area, we are also in north Wilmington (1843 Marsh Road), or get some mail order goodies sent to your home via our mail order website, ShopRosenfelds.com.
In closing, thanks to each and every one of you for making this dream come true. A Jewish deli in Ocean City? Did that really happen? I hope to see you eating Rosenfeld’s food for many years to come at our various locations. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for treating your belly at our Jewish deli.
— Warren Rosenfeld