Famous New York-style deli brand plans big Sarasota opening weekend

The Sarasota market is getting a new entry in New York style and Jewish-themed delis, with the opening of The Original Wolfie’s Deli scheduled for later this week.

The Original Wolfie’s Deli and a night-time sister concept, Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House, are set to open Thursday, Nov. 2, according to a statement, and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is at 1420 Boulevard of the Arts in the Rosemary District, just north of downtown Sarasota.  

The restaurateur and chef behind the concepts is Sol Shenker, who garnered a devoted following in Sarasota for his New York deli-style food at several different eateries. Shenker has been living in Colorado, where his wife has been attending veterinary school, according to a story on YourObserver.com, sister publication of the Business Observer. Shenker previously operated Sol’s NYC Delicatessen in a former Applebee’s in Main Plaza in downtown Sarasota, among other restaurants.