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Sol’s NYC Deli opens on Main Street

Solomon Shenker left Sol Meyer’s New York Delicatessen to open a new restaurant on the east side of downtown Sarasota, moving into the former Applebee’s space at Main Plaza.

  • By David Conway
  • | 3:18 p.m. February 16, 2016
Co-owner Jesse Biter attributed the early buzz surrounding Sol's NYC Deli to chef Solomon Shenker's history in the area: "He's been here for 20 years, and people love him."
Co-owner Jesse Biter attributed the early buzz surrounding Sol's NYC Deli to chef Solomon Shenker's history in the area: "He's been here for 20 years, and people love him."
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For the second time in three months, Solomon Shenker is celebrating the opening of a New York-style Jewish deli on Main Street in downtown Sarasota.

Today marked the opening of Sol’s NYC Deli, located at 1991 Main St. in a space formerly occupied by Applebee’s. Shenker, who serves as the executive chef, partnered with entrepreneurs Jesse Biter and David Chessler on the restaurant.

Shenker previously helped open Sol Meyer’s New York Delicatessen at 1473 Main St. in November. Shenker departed from the restaurant in January, citing disagreements with his business partner and brother-in-law.

He says the new location offers exciting opportunities thanks to its size. Sol’s NYC Deli has 167 seats, a full kitchen and a full bar.

“It’s busier,” Shenker said. “It’s definitely what we needed.”

Biter and Chessler are part of the team that purchased the Hollywood 20/Main Plaza complex in November. Biter said future additions to Main Plaza will be more intensive than moving a new business into an existing space, but he was excited to get Sol’s NYC Deli open as soon as possible.

“We had this opportunity, and we wanted to act quickly,” Biter said. “This is not indicative of what the future holds for Main Plaza — although Sol will be a mainstay.”

Sol’s NYC Deli is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.