My dad still tells special stories when something catches his eye during the day, at a family moment when we are celebrating a special event or even at a somewhat mundane get together. Something will flash in his eyes and he will talk about a simpler time in the world when family-run food stores were the norm and people knew their butcher by face and the same butcher knew his customers, many of whom were friends. My dad knew their stories, friends, families & their dinner preferences. When a walk down “Main Street,” wherever that was, conjured up memories of tradition, family and kinship, and a stroll around town often ended up in a special evening around the dinner table with good food and great friends. This was a time when a “butcher shop” or “food store” was much more than either of those names would suggest; they were integral parts of a community’s fabric and interwoven within such communities in ways which invariably would bring people together, perhaps numerous times throughout the week, for storied conversations, lovingly prepared foods & wonderful times.
As much as things have changed over the years, many things remain quite the same. A great steak, wonderfully marbled & exquisitely tender, is in some ways no different than all those many years ago. And yet farms have become larger and more industrial. At the KMP, we have chosen to prioritize small family farms which have a much more compact environmental footprint. Family farmers generally inherit their land from their ancestors and such inheritance comes with a legacy representing the hard work of prior generations. This conveys a tremendous sense of responsibility on today’s family farmers and they strive to protect and care for their lands. They are excellent managers of natural resources and, for example, such farms have three times more trees and two times more land being used for healthy soil building practices when compared to industrial farms.
Such farmers are also almost uniquely capable of understanding the effects that their farms have on plants, animals and people. They completely understand that they are deeply intertwined with the Earth and the entire natural ecosystem. Family farmers also often pass on their knowledge to future generations. They raise their children to cherish the personal connection of being able to grow their own food and respect the values of sustainable farming.
Another similarity between today and years past is people’s expectations for kindness in their treatment and familiarity in their interactions. And yet once again things tend to look somewhat different today as interactions have become increasingly faceless and impersonal. My dad’s vision, and mine as well, has always been to create a friendly, connected environment where all our wonderful patrons are treated with absolute kindness, respect and a knowing acquiescence that while we always try our very best, it is you who must invariably be unequivocally satisfied with our products and services.
As you may have already guessed, The Kosher Marketplace was founded by my dad, master butcher & long-time proprietor, Alan Kaufman. The year was 1998. My dad remains the driving force behind the store (later rebranded as “The KMP”) and it has truly always been his passion to create something that would fully embody his life-long desire to provide the finest quality meats, poultry & fish, prepared foods & specialty accompaniments for people’s pleasure & enjoyment. He also wanted such high-quality items to be displayed in a sparklingly clean & welcoming environment tended by long-time “family” employees. My dad still runs the store, along with my mom Fran. They have incorporated all the principles which they both have always espoused. As a result, the business maintains a strong focus on sustainable sourcing from local family-run farms & fishermen who are resolutely concerned with, & focused on, the finest & freshest products, along with a diligent concern for any animals involved, as well as the environmental impact of their activities. All fresh meat, poultry, fish & vegetables arrive daily from our partners in accordance with these core principles.
Prepared foods are an especially important component of the store and we try to focus on both the classics of yesteryear as well as the newer, more eclectic gourmet fare of today. As mentioned above, fresh, locally grown vegetables are delivered daily, along with our specially sourced meats, poultry & fish. These items are then fully cooked on premises by our professional kitchen staff to craft the freshest, finest quality products. These products are displayed at both our prepared food counter and throughout the store in our various Grab ‘n Go departments. We strive to always please food enthusiasts and connoisseurs whatever their specific desires or preferences may be.
At all times, we commit to having a team of wonderful, dedicated & professionally trained employees who are available to ensure that your needs & concerns are fully addressed. We always endeavor to be singularly focused on the core principle that your absolute pleasure is paramount. We proudly stand behind all that we sell & always want you to be 100% HAPPY (not just satisfied) with your purchases from, and interactions with, us, whether over the phone, in person, via email or through our website. We promise to value you fully every day, along with providing the finest, qualitatively sourced & prepared meats, gourmet foods & specialty products. That is The Kosher Marketplace (“The KMP”) experience & we ALWAYS stand behind it!
Jack Kaufman,
On Behalf of Alan, Fran & The Entire Kosher Marketplace Family
