After 16 years of serving mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches and delectable bagels, Kenny & Zuke’s, the iconic Portland institution once hailed as one of the Northwest’s premier Jewish delis, has announced its closure. The North Williams Avenue shop, which opened its doors shortly after the flagship downtown location’s shuttering, will serve its last Reuben sandwiches and bagels on Sunday, November 26, as confirmed by owner Ken Gordon on Facebook.

Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of loyal customers over the years, Gordon shared his plans to explore new culinary avenues. He envisions pursuing book writing, taking on a part-time cooking role, reviving his pop-up roots, or embarking on a combination of these endeavors. On Facebook, he wrote: “It pains me to contact you all under these circumstances, but unfortunately we will be closing Kenny & Zuke’s. Our last day will be Sunday, November 26th.”

As previously reported, Kenny & Zuke’s once thrived with multiple Portland locations, an airport kiosk, and a flourishing wholesale business. To weather the storm of a 2019 bankruptcy and the 2020 pandemic, the deli strategically focused its menu on bagels and bagel sandwiches. It is not known what will replace the establishment when it closes.

Kenny & Zuke’s will serve its final Reuben on Sunday, November 26, at 3808 N. Williams Ave.