The recent closure of Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli, the only full service, stand-alone kosher meat market in St. Louis, has left the local Jewish community grappling with significant changes. For years, Kohn’s was not just a place to purchase kosher meat but a cornerstone of the community, providing a space for social interaction and cultural continuity.
Soon, Ladue Crossing Schnucks will help fill the void. The store will be expanding its fresh kosher food selection this Fall. To address the demand for kosher food, the U. City Costco also plans to increase the quantity of kosher items it already carries, according to the company’s regional merchandise manager.On July 29, the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis issued a statement announcing that Nate’s Kosher Deli would take over the space where Kohn’s operated. There is no timeline currently available for the opening.
Meanwhile, St. Louisans who now face the challenge of finding alternative sources for kosher food have several options, some of which require hitting the road and a full tank of gas. Others require only a shorter trip—to a smartphone or laptop computer.
Online options
The KC Kosher Co-op launched in 2007 and operates in 38 communities around the country. The co-op expanded to St. Louis 13 years ago. Members pick up kosher food products at Brittany Woods Middle School in University City. There is no charge to join and sign up for an account. There is no minimum order requirement. Free shipping is available when a community reaches $7,000 in orders (which St. Louis always meets).
Much like buying in bulk at Costco, the KC Kosher Co-op sells items by the case. It can split orders up among other co-op members. Currently, the co-op has 3,106 kosher products. One of the most popular is David Elliot chicken. St. Louis has a number of unique items on its “top 10” list of most requested products. They include no-MSG Gefen Chicken Noodle Soup, fresh and frozen gefilte fish, Mehadrin Yogurt, and High Breeze Farms Premium Select Broccoli Florets.
Prices are listed on the website on each product’s description page. All major credit cards and online checks are accepted.
Coming soon: Sarah’s Tent is currently in the process of planning a virtual full-service kosher grocery store similar to the KC Kosher Co-op. The Skokie, Ill.-based food purveyor operates in the Chicago area and portions of Miami-Dade County in Florida. The goal is to develop a bi-monthly delivery to a centralized pickup point in St. Louis. Sarah’s Tent is working with the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis to iron out the details.
Road trips
If you happen to be traveling and your path takes you through the following midwestern cities, these are a few of the full-service kosher markets available.
Chicago
Kol Tuv Kosher Foods has a fully stocked kosher grocery store and one of the largest kosher wine selections in the city. Address: 2938 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60659 (located northwest of Edgewater). Open every day except Shabbos.
Mizrahi Market offers a complete line of kosher food products, fresh vegetables, meat, salads and desserts. Address: 300 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, Ill., 60035. Open every day except Shabbos.
Kansas City
Hen House Market was founded in 1923. It offers sandwiches, breakfast platters, knishes, kugel, pastrami and fried chicken. It is the only kosher deli in the state of Kansas. Address: 11721 Roe, Leawood, Kan., 66211. Open every day except Shabbos.
Bill Motchan contributed to this story.
