Category: Press Releases

Specialty Menu Features Ben’s Burgers, Top’t Dogs and Panini

With a New Year, comes a new Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen, Restaurant and Caterers menu. Beginning January 2, 2018, all Ben’s locations will debut the company’s Specialty Menu, featuring the most popular items from Ben’s previous Burger, Top’t Dogs and Panini Menus. Perfect for meat lovers, this new, and permanent, menu will consist of Hebrew National brand hot dogs; half-pound fresh, never frozen, USDA Kosher ground beef burgers; and panini made with only the best cuts of meat. The new menu offers a modern spin on Jewish American deli classics, such as pastrami, corned beef and challah bread, among others.

With prices ranging from $13.99 to $17.99, this new, in-house only staple menu will be available for lunch and dinner at all seven Ben’s locations, including on Long Island and in New York City, Westchester County and Boca Raton, Florida.

Whether you’re in the mood for a burger topped with pastrami or brisket, a hot dog smothered with beans and onions, or a panini in the style of a classic sandwich, the new Ben’s Specialty Menu has something for every meat lover. Each sandwich includes a bottomless fountain soda and the choice between a side of French fries, knish or small deli salad. For those in search of non-beef options, all burgers can be substituted for a veggie (no charge) or a lean ground turkey burger (for $1).

Detailed descriptions of each menu item can be found below:

Top’t Dogs ($13.99)Â featuring Hebrew National Kosher hot dogs

Best of Boston: a generous portion of baked beans and crispy onion straws, on a brioche bun.
Chili Dog: a heaping amount of chili and fresh chopped onions, on a brioche bun.
Ben’s Deli Dog: topped with warm sauerkraut and a choice of corned beef or pastrami, on a baguette; Russian dressing optional.

Burgers ($17.99) featuring fresh, never-frozen USDA Kosher ground beef

BBQ Brisket: topped with sliced brisket and barbecue sauce
Big Ben: loaded with grilled pastrami, onion rings and chipotle mayo
California: a generous portion of Israeli salad and sliced avocado
Sliders: two mini burgers on challah rolls, topped with crispy onions and horseradish sauce

Panini Sandwiches ($16.99) featuring Ben’s famous house-cured deli meats

The Rachel: a mound of pastrami, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on pressed seeded rye bread
The Reuben: corned beef, loaded with sauerkraut and Russian dressing on pressed seeded rye bread
Grilled Chicken:  plump, fresh and tender grilled chicken, topped with lettuce, sweet red pepper and chipotle dressing, on pressed French bread
The Original Brisket: old-fashioned, slow-simmered brisket, with all the right seasonings, covered in caramelized onions and fresh horseradish on a pressed brioche roll
Steak Bites: sliced steak and grilled onions on pressed French bread, slathered with Ben’s homemade pesto sauce

All Top’t Dogs can be upgraded a homemade pretzel bun for just 99 cents. Fried onions or grilled mushrooms can be added to any burger for just 99 cents each.

This new Specialty Menu will be found at Ben’s three Long Island locations: Carle Place, Greenvale and Woodbury; two New York City locations: Midtown Manhattan and Bayside, Queens; and its Boca Raton, Florida location.

Ben’s of Bayside: New Look and a New Leader

Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers completely renovated its Bayside, Queens location this past Spring. From new carpets to a refurbished kitchen and bathrooms, all the way up to painting the ceiling, Ben’s of Bayside left nothing untouched. But, the changes weren’t just physical alterations, the store also got a new leader. Longtime Ben’s employee, David Czegledi, transferred from his post as General Manager of the Manhattan location to oversee the day-to-day operations in Bayside.

“I moved to Bayside for a few reasons,” Mr. Czegledi states. “Growing up in an orthodox environment, going to Yeshiva, I can relate to the customers here. I will be able to give guests the heimesha feeling they are looking for and expect. We also hope to develop our tour group program, which is thriving in Manhattan. Given Bayside’s proximity to many area attractions, we want to encourage senior and student groups to utilize the Bayside location as a lunch or dinner stop on their tours.”

Ben’s of Bayside, with the help of NYC & Company and the Queens’ Chamber of Commerce, is trying to increase the desire of tour groups to spend time in Queens County, not just Manhattan.

“With Queens’ diverse culture, large restaurant scene and roster of craft breweries, we have a lot to offer these tour groups,” adds Mr. Czegledi. “So, we are hoping more people will come out and enjoy a nice Kosher Pastrami sandwich while they see Queens.”.

Ben’s of Bayside also offers a private party room for quests to hold events such as birthdays, networking events, luncheons, award ceremonies, bar/bat mitzvahs, and more. The party room can accommodate up to 80 people, or guests can purchase a full buyout of the restaurant for larger events. Prices for catered lunch start at $18.99 per person and catered complete dinners start at $23.99 per person.

“Our parties are very easy to plan, and we take care of everything to make sure it’s as easy as possible for our guests,” Mr. Czegledi continues. “We serve beer and wine, and we offer audio/visual aids, such as speakers, podium, microphone, easel… whatever is needed for a successful meeting or party.”

“Now that all the renovations are complete, we are very excited to see what David can do with Bayside,”states Ronnie Dragoon, Owner and Founder of Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant and Caterers. “His customer service and marketing skills make him perfect to watch over this location, and I know that he will take Ben’s of Bayside to the next level.”

Fall is here and that means crisp air, pumpkin spiced lattes and Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers Thanksgiving Feast special. Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones, Â so don’t get caught up preparing, cooking and cleaning for guests. Let Ben’s cater your Thanksgiving dinner, or better yet, visit any of Ben’s seven dining room locations for a casual and comfortable turkey celebration.

With the company’s “Dine Out at Ben’s” option, patrons can completely relax and let Ben’s provide the ultimate “holiday without the headache” experience. On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, seatings are available for 1:00, 2:30, 5:00 and 7:15 p.m. in all locations (7:15 p.m. seating not available in Manhattan). Thanksgiving Day patrons will be treated to Ben’s delicious “Roast Turkey Dinner,” a prix fixe ($24.99) meal complete with stuffing and gravy and a choice of two sides; as well as bottomless soft drinks and a choice of house-made soup. A prix fixe ($9.99) “Children’s Turkey Feast,” which includes turkey, stuffing, a choice of two sides, dessert and fountain beverage is available for children age 12 and under. Large parties are welcome, though reservations are encouraged to guarantee seating.

For those hoping to host the party but prefer not to cook, there is also “Ben’s Thanksgiving Feast” catering option (for a price of $229.90) which includes one whole roasted turkey (15-pound average), Ben’s homemade stuffing and gravy, and a choice of two select sides. All feasts also include one quart each of cranberry-pineapple compote and fresh-cut cole slaw, along with an assorted relish tray.

As a bonus, all Ben’s Friends Rewards members who order a catered feast by Sunday, November 19, Â will receive two bonus BUY-1-GET-1-FREE meal coupons ($40+ value).

“Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the people you love and eating as much turkey as your stomach can handle,” says Ben’s Owner and Founder, Ronnie Dragoon. “It’s not about worrying if the potatoes are ready, but instead whether your loved ones are fed. So, we want everyone to sit back, enjoy some wine and the game, and let us take care of the rest.”

For those simply looking to complement their Thanksgiving Feast, whether it’s all from Ben’s or primarily crafted at home or are hoping to bring a dish as a guest, Ben’s also offers a variety of appetizers, sides, and desserts. Phone-in orders are welcome and Ben’s takeout counter is open all day on Thanksgiving for any last-minute needs, be it a quart of gravy or an extra tray of stuffing, among other items.

Anniversary Runs October 9-15 with $19.72 Special in Honor of the Company’s Founding Year

Autumn 1972 was an exciting one. President Richard Nixon was running for his second term. The Oakland Athletics were in a close battle against the Cincinnati Reds for the World Series pennant. And, Ronnie Dragoon, a witty New Yorker from Queens, was just opening the doors to his very first Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers. Now, in celebration of 45 years as one of New York’s best Kosher delis, Ben’s is offering a $19.72 lunch and dinner special, from October 9 through October 15.

To honor its loyal customers, Ben’s is offering “double points” to all Ben’s Friends Preferred Patron customers throughout the anniversary week. Members who dine in at any of Ben’s seven locations will be treated to double points.

After attending Brooklyn College for Political Science, and a subsequent tour as a Vista Volunteer in Indiana, Mr. Dragoon returned to New York in 1972. That October, he used $6,500 of his savings to open Ben’s Kosher Restaurant, which he named in honor of his father, himself a deli man. In the 45 years that have passed, the younger Mr. Dragoon has established seven Ben’s locations throughout Nassau, Queens, Westchester and Manhattan, as well as in Boca Raton, Florida. Though he currently employs more than 320 people. Mr. Dragoon can be found splitting his time behind the counter at the Greenvale and Boca Raton locations, where he mentors younger employees about the restaurant industry and personally oversees Greenvale’s day-to-day operations.

“You only turn 45 once, so we wanted to make it special,” says Mr. Dragoon. “When I started this business, I was single and broke. Now? I have a wife, two children, one dog, two grandchildren and a son-in-law “thank goodness” as well as seven successful restaurants. I also had a full head of hair when I started and now I have none, but I’ll take that trade off any day.”

The Ben’s 45th Anniversary Celebration Week Special includes a soup, bottomless fountain beverage and choice of entree with two sides. Entrees include Fresh Empire Chicken Dinner, Stuffed Cabbage, Chicken Fricassee or Fresh Roasted Turkey.

Ben’s is Offering a Catered Holiday Meal that Provides Traditional Cuisine for 10 Guests

For many families, busy schedules can often get in the way of celebration during get-togethers like Rosh Hashanah. Catering options from Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers allow families to enjoy a delicious, traditional Rosh Hashanah meal together without the time or hassle of food preparation.

This holiday, Ben’s is offering its Catered Holiday Dinner for 10 guests. The catering package is ideal for patrons who are seeking to preserve the tradition of a Rosh Hashanah gathering, but do not have the time to purchase raw ingredients and prepare a meal for the get-together. Today, with more and more families struggling to find time to spend with loved ones, Ben’s Kosher is helping keep the tradition alive with simple and worry-free options.

For the price of $349.99, Ben’s Catered Holiday Dinner comes with 12 Mini Stuffed Cabbages, served with one quart of Chopped Liver or 10 Pieces of Gefilte Fish and four quarts of Chicken Noodle soup, served with 12 Matzo Balls. Included in the price is a choice between several Main Dish options: five Roasted Chickens, one Whole Roasted Turkey (15-pound average), or four pounds of Sliced Brisket. Guests may also choose two sides from among the following: String Beans Almondine, Egg Barley and Mushrooms, Kasha Varnishkes, Broccoli Almondine, Sweet Potato Pudding, Noodle Pudding or Potato Pudding. All orders include one-quart each of Cranberry-Pineapple Compote, Fresh-Cut Cole Slaw and Carrot Tsimmes, paired with a Round Challah, as well as fresh-baked Rugalach for dessert. Guests may add a Fresh Fruit Salad Bowl for an extra $29.99.

Those who purchase Ben’s complete holiday dinner on or before Friday, September 15 will receive three “Buy-1-Get-1 Free” future use coupons through the Ben’s Friends Rewards program (no coupons will be offered after this date).

Ben’s takeout counter is also ideal for picking up last-minute holiday items, with a variety of options for everything from the main course to soups, side dishes, salads or desserts. Phone orders of $100 or more are accepted at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are always welcome.

All Ben’s locations will be closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah starting on Wednesday, September 20 at 4 p.m. and will reopen Saturday, September 23 during regular business hours.

Six Recipes Make a Return for The Month of July Only

Next month, Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen, Restaurant and Caterers will be bringing back its Top’t Dogs menu. This year, Ben’s is offering six different Top’t Dog options: the six favorites of last year. These original hot dog recipes will be available at all Ben’s locations, but only for the month of July.

The toppings on these hot dogs were inspired by some of the biggest flavor capitals in the country. From The California Dreamin’, which fills your mouth with delicious avocados, to The NY Fiver, which holds two franks and three toppings, you can’t go wrong. In addition, each Ben’s Top’t Dog Combo comes complete with a bottomless fountain beverage and a side of your choice.

This collection exclusively features Hebrew National brand hot dogs. Side options include fresh-cut fries, potato pancake, round potato knish and old-fashioned square knish. All Top’t Dogs can be upgraded to feature a homemade pretzel bun for just 99 cents, and additional side dishes of fresh guacamole or vegetarian chili can also be added for a nominal price. For those who are 21 and over, the fountain beverage can be upgraded to one bottle of cold domestic or imported beer, for an additional cost.

A description of each Ben’s Top’t Dog can be found below:

Best of Boston ($12.99): generous portion of baked beans and crispy onion straws, on a brioche bun.
Chili Dog ($13.99): heaping amount of vegetarian chili and fresh chopped onions, on a brioche bun.
Ben’s Deli Dog ($13.99): choice of corned beef or pastrami, topped with warm sauerkraut, on a baguette; Russian dressing optional. Upgrade to BOTH corned beef and pastrami for $3 more.
California Dreamin’ ($13.99): mound of homemade Israeli salad, garnished with sliced avocado, on a brioche bun
Philadelphia Double Dog ($15.99): two franks topped with sauteed beef and a pile of peppers and onions, on a garlic bread roll
The NY Fiver ($15.99): two hot dogs topped with three toppings from New York’s ubiquitous street carts: sauerkraut, tangy onion and sweet green relish, on a chewy pretzel bun

New Decor, Memorial Day BBQ, Comedy Show and More… Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers

is excited to unveil the final phase of renovations at the company’s Bayside location, its second rehab since opening in 1994. As part of the update, Ben’s Founder/Owner, Ronnie Dragoon, opted to upgrade the bathrooms and furniture, reclaim the terrazzo flooring, lay new carpet and paint the entire restaurant including the ceilings. Though not visible to customers, the restaurant’s “back of the house” (the kitchen) was also rehabilitated.

While a majority of the construction work took place while Ben’s was closed during the eight days of Passover, renovations continued throughout the subsequent weeks. As with any renovation, there were, of course, some bumps in the road delayed delivery of furniture and red outlet covers and water damage to a wall that required a replacement of mirrors  but it was all worth it in the end.

With final restoration of Ben’s of Bayside now complete, the company is lighting up the charcoal and grilling up BBQ favorites for a celebratory Memorial Day BBQ unveiling event on Monday, May 29, from noon to 8 p.m. During the celebration, guests will be treated to their choice of Ben’s All American BBQ, Chicken Lovers BBQ or Steak Lovers BBQ options, which all come complete with potato salad and coleslaw, pickles, a corn cobbette, sliced watermelon and unlimited fountain beverages.

For those who want to get a sneak peak of Bayside’s new look before Memorial Day, Ben’s is also hosting its next installment of Latkes & Laughs at the restaurant on Saturday, May 20. This dinner and stand-up comedy show event includes a prix fixe dinner with dessert and fountain beverage, as well as the humorous entertainment of Chuck Fox, Ellen Karis and Jim Mendrinos.

What’s more, all visitors will have the opportunity to test out Ben’s new Grandma’s Chicken Soup recipe, which is available ONLY at Ben’s of Bayside. Try a bowl for $7.99, or add a Matzo Ball or Kreplach for $1.