Steve Goldberg and Bill Goldberg, the founders of Goldbergs' Famous Delicatessen, share many things—birthplace (Detroit), name (they are not related), school (University of Michigan), and many interests. But most importantly, they share a passion for great deli. This shared passion has brought Goldbergs' Famous Delicatessen to Seattle.

The story starts in 1962 when Steve's parents Jack and Harriet opened the original Stage Deli in Oak Park, Michigan. The restaurant brought Broadway style to deli coffee shop culture. The Stage was an immediate success.

Steve and Bill Goldberg

Steve grew up in the family business, washing dishes at seven, busing tables at ten, working the deli counter at 15 and managing at 17. He learned how to cook from his Bubbie and father spending countless hours helping to prepare family feasts. The deli business runs deep in his blood. Today Steve owns and operates the Stage in its new location in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

While Steve was learning the Jewish culinary secrets of latkes and knishes, Bill was developing a palate for great Jewish deli. Bill's family grew up eating in local delis. They were partial to The Stage Deli where they could savor the perfect Dinty Moore. Many of Bill's favorite family memories revolve around the Stage where the family met weekly over pickles and corned beef to have a great schmooze.

Over the years, Bill, in his new Seattle home, often complained to Steve, "I am a desperate man in search of the same delicious foods from the Stage Deli. Please come to Seattle to open a top-notch Jewish Deli." After countless years of hearing this lament, Steve finally agreed and thus began a partnership to build Goldbergs' Famous Delicatessen in Bellevue, WA, which opened its doors in May 2005.

These two friends now have even more in common—Goldbergs' Deli, a traditional, upscale deli in Factoria Mall near Seattle. Steve is also operator of Stage & Co. in Michigan which operates The Stage Deli in West Bloomfield and Stage Delis in Troy and Dearborn. Bill (William H.) Goldberg is the co-owner of Goldberg & Jones Attorneys at Law in Seattle.


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