From: Anne S.
To: Michael Ross
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 12:09 PM
Subject: THANKS

Dear Mr. Ross,

Having eaten kosher food in many countries in the world, I just wanted to say that our visit to Ben's has been the highlight of them all.

My big treat when we are on vacation from our home in the U.K. is to find a deli for a salt beef sandwich followed by a lokshen pudding.

We checked into the Hilton Suites on Glades Road and my husband said we should go out for dinner. Unbeknown to me he had checked out your address and took me to you as a surprise.

I have great pleasure in telling you that it made my holiday and we enjoyed two superb meals in the few days we were there.

Thank you to your staff and chefs for an excellent repast.

With kind regards from a very cold, wet and windy U.K.,
Anne S.

From: Steve Z.
To: Sam Greenfield
Sent: Mon, Dec 19, 2011 7:54 am
Subject: Thanking you for entertaining us during dinner yesterday

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you about sports, other customers, jokes about polar bears, your insights into people, and your rather amazing history.

You were a topic on our drive home to Philly.

We both were tickled by recounting our chats. You see, my parents are 1st-generation Americans with their parents having come from Russia & Poland. I have memories of Yiddish newspapers, our foods, and our culture. When I first came to Ben's some 5 years ago, I felt as if I'd gone backwards 40+ years. It's a combo of deli, pickles and ambiance that takes me back.

So, when my son asked me to pick him up from the Jewish Theological Seminary on 123rd & Broadway, I had but one requirement: That we go to Ben's so that, in some small way, I could enjoy my grandparents again and to pass those special feelings on to him. Carnivore that he is, dinner was a no-brainer.

And when you appeared, you became part of that ambiance. There is but one Yiddish sense of humor which encompasses our culture and brings back memories of loved ones and of time spent with them.

So, I suppose this e-mail simply says Thanks. You were far more entertaining than the measure of your jokes & comments. You were a part of a thread that brings us back to our pasts.

May you and your family have a super (& restful) Chanukah and that you enjoy health, prosperity, and peace for countless years.

Steve Z.

November 26, 2011
RE: Ben's Boca Thanksgiving

Ronnie, Michael:

Dave and I, Arlene I., were extremely happy this past Thursday evening enjoying a delicious home made dinner at Ben's Boca. We were greeted like Mishpoocha. We felt very much at home from the minute we walked in with our friends, Rabbi H. and his wife, Rosalind, along with another couple. There was Michael's usual greeting, a nice hug. He always make us feel very important.

Ronnie, I have always said to both of you, Michael is a clone of you, Ronnie. As busy as the restaurant was at the 5pm seating, and it was very busy, everything ran soooooo smoothly. The waiter, Manny, was also so pleasant. He made sure we got everything we were entitled too plus!

Thanks Michael. You guys are a wonderful team and your help "TEAM" is wonderful. EVERYONE does what they are expected to do and more.

Ronnie and Cindy: THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR COMING TO BOCA. YOU ARE LOVED BY ALL OF YOUR LONG TIME FRIENDS ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER FRIENDS YOU HAVE MADE SINCE YOU ARE HERE.

Michael: RONNIE IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A COMPETENT SIDEKICK. WE'VE BEEN THERE, DONE THAT... WHEW!

Hopefully you will find the time to visit with us when you get down.

Hugs,
Arlene and Dave I.

November 11, 2011

Working with Todd and Ben's Deli was the best decision we made for the wedding. We had the most wonderful experience with all the staff and every bit of food that we ate that night.

Todd was very helpful in selecting a menu and helping us think through the timing. We had the reception at a wine bar in Williamsburg that was beautiful and unique - but not well equiped for vendors to come in and prep. Todd and his team didn't even flinch -- they brought a truck to keep all the food in and timed all the apps and buffet perfectly. I was really grateful that they were such pros and were able to work with the space, work with the other vendors, and work with our vision.

Then there was the food - DELICIOUS. We were thrilled and surprised from the very beginning. We had tasted most of the food that we chose for the evening at the restaurant, but there were a few "catering only" dishes that we hadn't tried. I am so glad, because when I tasted the stuffed mushrooms it made me really happy. And when I saw the caviar and egg canapes - I was thrilled. Amazing! I never thought I would have caviar at my wedding. So classy. Everyone was thrilled. The guests kept eating, and kept discussing how delicious all the food was.

One of my biggest concerns was not feeling like I was serving deli food at a formal event. Todd was really understanding and recommended we have carvers come and carve meat, instead of putting out trays. This was great. It added a nice touch as well for the guests who recieved personal attention form the staff throughout the meal. We also rented plates and silverware which Todd and team managed - also elevating the meal to more of a formal feel. In the end, I got exactly the food I wanted and exactly the ambiance and feel that I wanted -- all at a price I felt comfortable with.

I was so thrilled with the service, food, and planning assistance Todd, Rachel, and the whole team at Ben's provided. I would happily use them again and recommend them for your event.

Jessica L'E.

September 12, 2011

Dear Mr. Dragoon,

I am writing this letter to express my high compliments to you on the operation of your restaurants.

My family and I visit Ben's Deli restaurants frequently, each time with great satisfaction. The food served is excellent, the prices are reasonable and the service is great!

I wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
Fred B.

Dear Michael,

Now that my company has left and I have recuperated from the wedding excitement, I want to tell you that the wedding reception at Ben's was perfect. My son & daughter-in-law enjoyed every minute of the food and friendship there. Your two waiters, Harold & Paul were extremely efficient & kind & helpful.

Thank you and "Ben's" for a wonderful afternoon.

Carolyn W.

April 27, 2011

Dear Mr. Dragoon,

My wife and I have been longtime customers of Ben's Kosher Deli. We have ordered Passover and High Holiday meals numerous times and have found them mostly satisfactory.

This year (Passover) your Woodbury store provided excellent meals. I would like you to compliment your chef and whoever else was involved in the cooking and distribution to us. This was the best package we ever received.

Sincerely,
Norman C.
Huntington, NY

April 15, 2011

On March 26, 2011 we hosted an 85th birthday party at your restaurant. There was a misunderstanding regarding the area to be used for the party, but it was quickly resolved.

I am writing to tell you how pleased we were with the service and the food, all due to Michael, the general manager. We got everything that we were promised served in a most congenial manner.

Usually we are quick to complain if anything goes wrong, but we feel that it is important that management is aware of what a gem you have in Michael.

We are regular customers at your restaurant. All of our expectations of what Ben's restaurant is all about were certainly fulfilled that day.

Thank you Michael and thank you Ben's for making a great day even better.

Very truly yours,
Albert S.
Lorraine S.
Lake Worth, FL

April 7, 2011

Dear Michael,

On behalf of Kol Tikvah Hadassah in Lake Worth--Bellaggio, it was wonderful working with you. The food was delicious, ample, and well-presented. The bowls of fruit were artistically arranged, fresh, and very tasty. The delivery people were helpful & punctual.

It is so nice when your expectations are met: and Michael, you (and Ben's) deserve kudos for such excellent service. Our Women's Seder was more successful with your special touch.

Thank you,
Trudy A.
Harlie E.
Cochairs

May 31, 2011

Today the Israel Center for Conservative Judaism had a luncheon and game afternoon at Ben's Deli in Bayside. The two people who served us were Brandan and Fran. I wanted to let you know how courteous and friendly and helpful both of them were to my Sisterhood ladies. They also served me at another party I had at Ben's in March. They need to be recognized for their efforts.

Thank you.

Idan C.,
Chairperson for the event

April 26, 2011

Just wanted to take a minute to let you know that the Robinson Secondary group that I sent on 4/16/11 had a FANTASTIC experience at Ben's Deli for lunch. Their trip coordinator made sure to let us know they had fun and the food was GREAT!

Thanks for working with us! Our groups travel in the spring time (we are finished in the NY area for this season) and I look forward to hopefully sending more groups your way in the future!

Warm Regards,
Marcy L., Options Coordinator
SPECTRUM OF RICHMOND, INC.
Richmond, VA

February 15, 2011

Allow me to say:

Dear Ron,

I live in Whitestone and I eat in the Bayside store at least every week a few times in your great place. Also I have food delivered weekly.

Your food is the best & cleanest & most tasty. Thank you so very much. I am ninety-two years old & my cooking has minimized.

Let me also say: I spent 3 weeks with my son & daughter-in-law and we went to your store in Boca. In the time I visited my children [they] took me there 8 times. It is a little distance from Green Acres.

Let me again add, the store is beautiful, magnificent and the food is delicious. I was impressed with its location and its beauty -- they took my bonus card & gave me points.

I also want to complement you on your service -- delivery for lunches & deliveries without charge -- must spend $20 -- that's no problem, believe me.

Thanks a million for your food, service, everyone is caring & I enjoy eating in such a wonderful eatery.

Good luck to you & yours,
Always I am,
Mrs. Sarah K.
Whitestone, NY

P.S. My daughters & family go to your Carle Place eatery. They prefer to go there than any other place.

January 4, 2011

Just to let you know that all of the guests at the Lakes of Delray New Year's Eve Party gave your catering service rave reviews.

They were all quite pleased not only with the quality of the food, but also the timing and efficiency of delivery and the courtesy of those delivering the food.

We want to thank you so much for your part in making our New Year's Party such a big success.

Sincerely,
THE LAKES OF DELRAY
Milton F.
Edward W.
Entertainment Committee

December 29, 2010

Thank you so much for your hard work in making Carol and Sid B.'s 50th Anniversary party such a success. The food was wonderful, plentiful, and beautifully served. No one left hungry! The servers were such nice gentlemen, very accommodating, pleasant, and hardworking. It was a pleasure to deal with everyone. My in-laws were thrilled, and we all had fun. Glenn and I are thinking of coming back to Boca in February, and if that all works out, we will be in for a "quiet" meal! I cannot wait. Best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,
Joyce B.

December 27, 2010

Ronnie:

I am still recovering from the physical work and stress connected with our Deli Night. My age has caught up to my physicality. The event was an outstanding success! My diners raved how good the food was. A number of New Yorkers were extremely elated to eat deli from Ben's, the food they knew and loved. In addition to the great job your staff did, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your personal involvement in making the process of ordering the food. Also, I appreciate the extra tongue and other touches you threw in.

Bennie, your young delivery man was on his toes and obviously a smart young man. He was very professional and on top of everything.

The year will be the last year that I will be Macher as it was too much for me. I will continue to act as "Consultant" and probably still be in the "ordering process."

As we were taking delivery a man from our Development came into our space and just wanted to let Bennie know that he came from Woodbury and was elated to see Ben's Deli truck as he had so enjoyed the many years he dines in the Woodbury store.

So, thank you for hanging in, while so many have give up the Kosher Jewish Deli business. We older folks are brought back to our youth when we bite into a tongue and chopped liver on rye from Ben's.

Shep S.