Kravitz Deli recognized among fastest growing companies

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Kravitz Delicatessen, the oldest deli in the Youngstown area, was recognized as one of the 100 fastest-growing companies in Northeast Ohio by Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Business.

The business was placed 87th on the list.

“We’re really excited,” said Jack Kravitz, president of the deli. “We’re really honored to be a part of it.”

The business was founded by Kravitz’s mother, Rose, in 1939 while she was taking care of the family. The building relocated in 1970 to its current location, 3135 Belmont Ave., Liberty. Kravitz graduated from law school at Case Western Reserve University in 1982 and took over the business in 2006.

“We’ve been really growing a lot,” he said.

The deli has grown nearly 84 percent since 2009. Kravitz said he started with eight employees with the business making $300,000 a year. With another location at the Poland Library, 311 S. Main St., he employs 25 people total and is projected to make $1.2 million this year.

“We’ve been adding a lot of new things to the business,” he said.

Kravitz said the business has expanded to include catering and event planning for multiethnic organizations and the general public. It also added full liquor service to its Belmont location and uses social media.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of hours and a lot of time,” he said.