New York’s iconic Russ & Daughters brings its famed appetizing tradition to Hudson Yards in a “combination of old and new” that brings a flavor of the Lower East Side to the supertalls of the West Side. We talked to the team today as they prepared to open on Tuesday, July 18.
“There’s nothing more New York than Russ & Daughters,” said Niki Russ Federman, the fourth generation of the family to serve up Manhattan’s most famous smoked fish. “We feel like we’re bringing a bit of the old school New York to this new piece of the city — and that combination of old and new feels really dynamic and exciting. This is part of our evolution in the city’s evolution,” she added.
Niki, co-owner of Russ & Daughters with cousin Josh Russ Tupper, said: “This newest Russ & Daughters will provide an immersive appetizing experience that celebrates our roots in the Lower East Side and the innovative spirit of New York. We’re still a family business that continues to serve four generations of New Yorkers and visitors.”
At 4,500 square feet, the new location at 50 Hudson Yards, on the corner of W34th Street and 10th Avenue, at the base of the 58-story office building, is far larger than the original store opened in 1914 by Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant from Poland who peddled the cured fish from a pushcart for seven years, until he saved enough for the rent.
Russ & Daughters is known for its “Appetizing” — food that is eaten with bagels — and while appetizing stores were once fairly popular, Russ & Daughters is one of the few remaining appetizing stores in the world.
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“Appetizing is a truly New York culinary tradition that started here in the city,” said Niki. “It’s the sister food tradition to the delicatessen. Think of this as your iconic New York bagel and lox.”
The new eatery has 12 tables, a curving drink rail and a champagne bar. A 40-foot display case that holds smoked salmon, sturgeon, whitefish salad, and much more. Old photos of the business adorn the walls.
The original shop is located in the Lower East Side, along with a nearby cafe that opened in 2014. There is also a bakery and appetizing counter in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The new location at Hudson Yards has been a few years in the making, with the original proposal coming in July 2020 and construction beginning in October of 2022.
50 Hudson Yards is the giant office tower that is becoming home to Meta — Facebook’s parent company — and investment manager BlackRock. Snaring Russ & Daughters is a boost to Related Companies, the Hudson Yards developers, adding a major New York name to a line-up that includes Momofuku’s fried chicken spot Fuku and José Andrés’ Mercado Little Spain.
The Russ & Daughters location in Hudson Yards will be doing deliveries throughout Manhattan. They will be open seven days a week from 8am-4pm — Niki added: “That’s for starters, and we’ll take it from there.” After hours, the space will be available for private events after 4pm.
Congratulations and so happy you followed me up here from the LES! If stars align please open at 7am so folks can swing by on their way to the office!
Imho, this is just terribly sad. Russ and daughters has become a 1 percenter operation. Gave up their “eatery” at the Jewish Museum, where their presence did make sense, during the pandemic. Can’t afford to do everything, I guess.
It all just feels so ersatz and a part of the ongoing march of total materialism of our society under the cover of superficial “cultural” nostalgia.
WELCOME to the neighborhood! As residents, we need more street level options for lunch, brunch & take-out. #yummy