Lipman’s Kosher Market in Brighton NY has new owners

Brighton’s Kosher Legacy Thrives Under New Ownership

By Archys

Lipman’s Kosher market, a cornerstone of Brighton’s jewish community, continues its legacy under new owners Naftali and Anna Hanau.

For decades, Brighton’s Jewish community has turned to two cherished institutions for their kosher essentials: Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s Bakery. These establishments have not only provided sustenance but also served as cultural hubs, fostering a sense of belonging. now, a new chapter begins as Naftali “naf” and Anna Hanau take the reins, bringing their passion for food and community to these storied businesses.

A Storied History of Lipman’s Kosher Market

Lipman’s Kosher Market, located on Monroe Avenue, has been a fixture in brighton since its inception. Known for its wide selection of kosher meats, groceries, and specialty items, the market has been a lifeline for families observing Jewish dietary laws. Its reputation for quality and authenticity has made it a cornerstone of the community.

Malek’s Bakery: A Sweet Addition

Just a stone’s throw away, malek’s Bakery has been delighting customers with its array of conventional baked goods. From challah to rugelach, the bakery has become synonymous with warmth and tradition. Its recipes, passed down through generations, evoke a sense of nostalgia while continuing to satisfy modern palates.

Looking Ahead

Under the leadership of Naftali and Anna Hanau, both Lipman’s and Malek’s are poised for a fresh start. The couple, who have deep roots in the food industry, are committed to preserving the legacy of these institutions while introducing innovative ideas to meet the evolving needs of the community.

The New Era of Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s Bakery

“Peopel want to be fed,” Naftali Hanau explains.“But more than that, they want to feel connected. Our goal is to honor the traditions that have made these businesses so special while finding new ways to serve our customers.”

Malek’s Bakery: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

At Malek’s bakery, the Hanaus plan to blend time-honored recipes with modern techniques. “We’re not just selling bread and pastries,” Anna Hanau says. “We’re sharing a piece of history.But we also want to explore new flavors and ideas that resonate with today’s customers.”

Preserving Tradition: The Story of a Beloved Kosher Bakery in Brighton

For many, malek’s Bakery is more than a place to buy baked goods—it’s a symbol of continuity. The Hanaus understand this sentiment and are dedicated to maintaining the bakery’s essence while introducing subtle updates to enhance the customer experience.

How are Naftali and Anna Hanau Planning to Modernize Malek’s Bakery While Still Honoring Its Traditions?

The couple envisions a bakery that respects its roots while embracing innovation. “We’re looking at ways to streamline operations without compromising on quality,” Naftali says. “It’s about finding the right balance between tradition and progress.”

A Shared vision for the Future

Together,Naftali and Anna Hanau are united by a shared vision: to ensure that Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s Bakery remain vital parts of Brighton’s Jewish community. Their approach combines reverence for the past with a forward-looking mindset, ensuring these institutions thrive for generations to come.

Conclusion

As Brighton’s kosher legacy enters a new era, the Hanaus are committed to preserving the traditions that have made Lipman’s and Malek’s beloved institutions. By blending innovation with respect for the past, they are ensuring that these businesses continue to nourish both body and soul.

The New Era of Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s bakery

For Naf Hanau and his wife, food is more than sustenance—it’s a calling. “We feed people,” Naf shared, his voice brimming with passion. “That’s what we do.” This simple yet profound ideology has guided the couple’s journey through the world of kosher cuisine, from founding grow & Behold Foods, a kosher meat company in New York city, to now taking the helm of two beloved Brighton institutions: Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s Bakery.

A Return to Roots

For Naf, stepping into Lipman’s feels like coming home. Growing up in Brighton, he spent countless afternoons at the market, were the sights, smells, and tastes left an indelible mark. “Lipman’s was my childhood deli,” he reminisced. “I’d walk in, and Aharon and Mike would hand me a piece of salami.” This nostalgic connection makes the transition deeply personal, as he and his wife aim to honor the market’s rich history while infusing it with their own vision.

A Century of Tradition

Lipman’s Kosher Market has been a cornerstone of Brighton since 1919, when Morris Lipman, a World War I veteran, and Benjamin Sanzel opened their first shop on Hanover Street. The market moved to Monroe Avenue in 1941, where it has remained ever since. After Morris’s passing in 1951, his son Albert took over, followed by Aharon baruch, who purchased the business in 1993 after a four-year apprenticeship.

Today, Lipman’s stands as the only standalone kosher butcher between cleveland and Albany, serving not only Brighton but also delivering meats to Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca. Its offerings—glatt kosher meats, deli sandwiches, soups, and specialty products—adhere to the strictest kosher standards, making it a trusted name for generations.

A Sweet partnership

In addition to lipman’s,the Hanaus have also taken over Malek’s Bakery,another cherished local gem. Since january 2024, they’ve been managing the bakery with the option to purchase it, further cementing their commitment to Brighton’s kosher community. Aharon Baruch, the previous owner of Lipman’s, is retiring but will remain involved during the transition. “At least until Passover,” Naf noted, ensuring a seamless handover for loyal customers.

A Vision for the Future

For the Hanaus,this venture is more than a business—it’s a mission to nourish their community. With their deep roots in Brighton and a shared passion for food, they are poised to honor the legacy of these iconic establishments while bringing fresh energy to the table. “We feed people,” Naf said simply. “That’s what we do.”

As Lipman’s and Malek’s continue to serve the community, the hanaus’ story is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, passion, and the universal love of good food. Their journey reminds us that food is not just about sustenance—it’s about connection, heritage, and the joy of sharing a meal with those we care about.

When Aharon Baruch and Naf Hanau took the reins of Lipman’s Kosher Market on January 1,they knew they were stepping into a legacy. The iconic market, a staple for kosher food enthusiasts, was about to undergo a transformation—one that balanced modernization with respect for its storied past. From upgrading the point-of-sale system to reorganizing the store layout, the duo has been meticulous in their approach. Meats are now displayed in neatly wrapped trays with scannable labels, and new suppliers have been brought in to expand the product range, thanks to Hanau’s deep industry knowledge.

but change, as Hanau points out, must be thoughtful. “You don’t buy a business and change everything,” he said. Their strategy is clear: honor what loyal customers love while attracting new ones. By the end of the month, they plan to roll out expanded in-house food offerings, including hot pastrami sandwiches made with rye bread from Malek’s Bakery, a local favorite.

Looking ahead, the pair has ambitious plans. Online ordering and delivery services are in the works, along with in-house production of pastrami, corned beef, and beef bacon. “I’ve done that before,” Hanau shared. “I know this stuff. I know how to do it, and I’m really excited to do it in-house.”

Malek’s Bakery: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

Malek’s bakery, founded in 1977 by Lea Malek, a Jewish immigrant from Hungary, has long been a cornerstone of the community. Known for its traditional rye bread, the bakery has managed to stay relevant by blending time-honored practices with subtle innovations. In 2002,ownership passed to Chuck Treviso and Don Russ,who have continued to uphold its legacy while keeping an eye on the future.

Hanau, reflecting on Baruch’s three decades of expertise, noted, “The butcher/client relationship is kind of a sacred thing. That’s been a special thing that I’m very grateful for.” This sentiment underscores the deep connections both Lipman’s and Malek’s have fostered with their customers over the years.

Together, Lipman’s Kosher Market and malek’s Bakery are proving that tradition and innovation can coexist. By staying true to their roots while embracing modern advancements, they ensure their place as cherished institutions in the community for years to come.

Preserving tradition: The Heartwarming Tale of a Kosher Bakery in Brighton

In the vibrant neighborhood of Brighton, a cherished kosher bakery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and tradition. for decades, this bakery has been a cornerstone of the local Jewish community, weaving itself into the fabric of the area’s cultural heritage. In 2011, Hoang Ngo, a Vietnamese refugee of Chinese descent, took over the bakery, infusing it with his unique vision. Over a decade later, in 2022, Ngo passed the torch to the Hillel Community Day School, a private Jewish institution, marking a new chapter in the bakery’s storied history.

By early 2024,the Hanau family stepped in to manage the bakery,with plans to eventually purchase it. Under their stewardship, the bakery has flourished, introducing new offerings like sandwiches, savory tarts, and dips. To create a more welcoming atmosphere, they’ve added seating, allowing customers to savor their treats on-site. “The response has been incredible,and that’s what keeps us going,” shared Naf Hanau,reflecting on the overwhelming community support. He emphasized the vital role of kosher institutions, stating, “The Jewish community relies on kosher establishments. They’re challenging to run and not notably profitable, but we can’t let them vanish. They’re an integral part of Rochester’s Jewish heritage.”

From its iconic honey cakes to its round challah, the bakery has become a cultural hub, preserving the flavors and traditions of Jewish cuisine. Its commitment to quality and tradition has solidified its place as a beloved neighborhood fixture. As the Hanaus look to the future, their mission remains clear: to safeguard this piece of Rochester’s heritage. For locals and visitors alike, the bakery is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a party of community, tradition, and resilience.

Modernizing Malek’s Bakery: A Balance of Tradition and Innovation

Another beloved institution in Brighton, Malek’s Bakery, has also embarked on a new journey under the leadership of Naftali and Anna Hanau. Renowned for its artisanal breads, pastries, and cakes, Malek’s has been a cherished destination for generations. The Hanaus are dedicated to preserving the bakery’s rich traditions while introducing modern elements to enhance the customer experience.

“We want to honor the legacy of malek’s while also bringing in fresh ideas,” explained Anna Hanau. “Our goal is to create a space where tradition meets innovation, offering the community the best of both worlds.”

Their plans for Malek’s include expanding the menu to feature more gluten-free and vegan options,as well as introducing seasonal specials that highlight their commitment to fresh,locally sourced ingredients. additionally, the bakery will continue its collaboration with Lipman’s Kosher Market, supplying bread and baked goods for their deli sandwiches and other offerings.

Through these thoughtful updates, the Hanaus aim to ensure that malek’s Bakery remains a vibrant and relevant part of Brighton’s Jewish community. By blending the old with the new, they’re not just preserving a legacy—they’re building a future where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.

A Shared Vision for the Future

For the Hanau family, taking over Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s bakery is far more than a business move—it’s a heartfelt pledge to the Brighton community. “These aren’t just stores to us; they’re hubs where people connect, celebrate their roots, and share meals,” Naf Hanau explained. The couple’s passion for fostering community ties shines through their plans to revitalize these cherished spaces.

Their vision stretches beyond the physical boundaries of the market and bakery. The Hanaus aim to host a variety of community-driven activities, from cooking classes to workshops, all designed to honor Jewish culinary traditions and strengthen communal bonds. “Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels at home,whether they’re here to shop,learn,or simply savor a tasty meal,” Anna Hanau shared.

Conclusion

As Lipman’s Kosher Market and Malek’s Bakery step into this exciting new era, the Hanaus are committed to preserving the legacy of these beloved institutions while injecting them with fresh ideas and energy. Their dedication to food, community, and tradition ensures that Brighton’s Jewish heritage will continue to flourish for years to come.

By blending respect for the past with a forward-looking approach, the Hanaus are steering Lipman’s and Malek’s toward a vibrant future. They honor the traditions that have shaped these establishments while embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.