Crusty Izzy’s Still Strong

Cincinnati:

It’s been 25 years since founder Izzy Kadetz passed away, but the Cincinnati deli chain is still doing things his way.

Izzy’s still serves massive Reubens, hot and crispy potato pancakes - and a heaping side of attitude with every order.

What started as a single deli on Central Avenue back in 1901 has grown to 7 locations, with an eighth opening in Florence by summer’s end. A second shot at franchising could also be in the cards, but growth will remain ‘manageable’ and true to Izzy’s values of quality food and service at a family-friendly price, said president John Geisen.

‘I’m letting their dream come true,’ Geisen said of his predecessors - Izzy and his son David Kadetz.

‘We hope to keep the magic alive. I think that was (Izzy’s) vision, to grow his business, but he was from the old school - and his health got to him. He wanted to expand, but he just didn’t have the physical capability to do it.’

Geisen has been key to that success. He gets behind the register at least 3 days a week to get to know the customers and his nearly 80 employees.

A former plumber and Izzy’s customer, Geisen started managing Izzy’s during an economic slowdown in 1982. He started buying stock in the company and eventually became president in 1988.

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