Marvin Saul, Owner of Junior's Deli in Los Angeles -- RIP

Marvin Saul (photo from the LA Times)

Marvin Saul, who owned and operated a bona fide Jewish deli on LA's Westside, died this week. His popular establishment, Junior's, had enough flavor and flair to pass as a legit deli. I admit that's something of an educated guess on my part. I'm confident some New Yorkers would argue the point about the deli's "legitimacy." However, they've always struck me as the type of people who would claim no one could ever made brisket like their mothers did.

Saul built his business from nothing. He landed in LA broke and ambitious, as quite a few domestic immigrants to southern California once did. According to his obit in the LA Times, he built up a small financial stake and opened a sandwich shop. Eventually, he expanded into an eight-table deli that he called Junior's, which was Saul's childhood nickname. The business grew substantially over the years, and gained a loyal following which appreciated Junior's food and atmosphere.

Reading about Saul's life and times is a refreshing tonic. He enjoyed a good time, he liked people, he produced a good product. Saul's way of doing things seems out of style now. Today's dreadfully arrogant food empire builders sell branded merchandise and calculate ways to appear on television. By contrast, Marvin Saul was soulful and authentic. He'll be a tough act to follow.