Bubbie Market & Deli

As a deli maven, I know Reubens (pastrami, Russian dressing, sauerkraut) but I’d never heard of the “Raaaaachel” (turkey, Russian dressing, coleslaw) before visiting the new Bubbie’s Market & Deli on Hope Street on Providence’s East Side. With locally made pastrami, corned beef, bagels and potato knishes, Bubbie’s is a welcome site for those yearning for classic Jewish deli delights.

The “Bubbie” (Yiddish for “grandmother”), for whom the deli is named, is Roberta Winkleman. Her daughter, Freda Ronkin, co-owns Bubbie’s with her business partner, Jeffrey Ingber.

“The corned beef is so fresh it’s flying off the shelves,” Freda says. Small sandwiches contain one-third pound of kosher meat; the large ones boast two-thirds pound.

While Rhode Islanders had choices galore of Jewish delis, bakeries and meat markets in the ‘60s and ‘70s, “that’s not true today,” says Jeffrey. “Delis are making a resurgence; the Jewish deli is very appealing to lots of people.”

Prepared foods are made at their sister company Ahava Catering in its East Side commercial kitchen, under the supervision of Rhode Island Kosher. Bubbie’s doesn’t have the capacity for an on-site commercial kitchen or indoor tables but sandwiches are made fresh on-site. “Ahava” means “love” in Hebrew; and Ahava’s food is, say the owners, made with love.

Bubbie’s is definitely a family affair: Jeffrey’s wife, Marcie, manages finances, Roberta makes the knishes and stuffed cabbage, and Freda’s husband, Daniel, helps as manager, too. Freda and Jeffrey share responsibilities; Jeffrey oversees the deli and Freda cooks at Ahava Catering, and both pitch in at each location, as needed. In addition to the full-service meat, sandwich and deli counter, Bubbie’s sells grab-n-go offerings, dairy products and shelf-stable products that range from candies, chips and kid-friendly snacks to curries, tahini, hot sauces and more.

Bubbie’s fulfills the deli void left when the 100+-year-old Jewish deli, Davis Dairy, closed after a building fire. Bubbie’s, only steps from Davis Dairy’s location, welcomes all customers, kosher-observant or not. “It doesn’t matter if it’s kosher,” says Freda. “Good food is good food.”

Bubbie’s Market & Deli
727 Hope St., Providence
401.272.4835 • AhavaCatering.com
Open every day but Saturday; hours vary