The Borscht Belt

A New Deli Copied Russ & Daughters. Mishegoss Ensued.

"A planned Jewish delicatessen in Stockton, New Jersey, launched by celebrity chef Nick Liberato that drew controversy for closely echoing the visual identity of the century-old Manhattan appetizing shop, including a prominent “Be a mensch” sign and lightbox displays. The owners of the older shop accused the newcomer of plagiarism rather than homage; the new venture defended itself as a passion project celebrating Jewish-American culture and initially pushed back on the claims, deleted several Instagram posts amid heavy criticism, and later pledged to alter design choices before opening while also decrying harassment directed at its team." - Joshua David Stein