Press | The Original Wolfie's Restaurant

A Latke of Love in The Rosemary District

“Wolfie’s is the restaurant part, with all the food and the deli; we’ve got miles of deli cases, and we’ll be making sandwiches in front of everybody. The Rascal House is our old-time New York-style bar,” he adds. Wolfie’s will serve up classics from Shenker’s native New York with inspiration pulled from his time working at The Rascal House in Miami.

5 exciting new restaurants

While many of the best restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties are clustered in downtown Sarasota near Main Street, a cadre of exciting eateries has recently opened in the Rosemary District, located just north of Fruitville Road. Yes, it's a wonderful time to live in the Rosemary District or simply visit on a beautiful weekend, as I did late last month.

Wolfie's to open location in Lakewood Ranch

Growing up, Jason Starkman always spent his time in a restaurant. His father, Isaac Starkman, founded Jerry’s Famous Deli in California. By 10 years old, Jason Starkman was cleaning out deli cases and bussing tables. He spent every moment he could at the restaurant. By the time he was a junior in high school, Starkman was managing one of his father’s delis. Starkman watched as his father built an empire worth millions and a menu that included more than 450 items.

Witness a culinary resurrection

At The Original Wolfie’s & Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House in Sarasota’s Rosemary District, we’re watching one such culinary resurrection occur. The Original Wolfie’s & Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House, now owned by JFD Parent, is the result of Jonathan Mitchell’s efforts to bring back the food from The Original Wolfie’s Delicatessen, Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House, Pumpernik’s and Thal Bros.

10 best new restaurants of 2023 in Sarasota

During the past year or so, Sarasota has gone from hosting zero New York-style Jewish delicatessens to three...In recent months, I dined at each one and found that all three have their charms, especially if you're seeking a super-sized pastrami or corned beef sandwich. For this list of favorites, I chose Wolfie's.

Highly anticipated restaurant

One of the most highly anticipated downtown Sarasota restaurant openings of the year should take place this week. The Original Wolfie’s & Rascal House, a delicatessen overseen by local chef Sol Shenker, known for his beloved brand of "Jewish soul food," is set to open Thursday, Nov. 2, according to a press release issued by Wolfie's on Monday, Oct. 30.

New York-style deli finds new home

Sarasota's prodigal deli king is back in town, and he's got a new home in the Rosemary District, where he is the executive chef of The Original Wolfie's. Sol Shenker, who has won a devoted following in Sarasota for his New York deli-style food at several different eateries, has been living in Colorado, where his wife has been attending veterinary school.