Katz’s Deli is packing up its pastrami and going cross-country.
Later this summer, New York’s oldest Jewish deli, Katz’s Deli, is heading out west to bring its pastrami prowess to the Foodies Eat First Fest in St. Louis, Missouri, taking place on August 22 to 23, for its second consecutive year.
Per the festival’s website, the 2-day food fete “is a curated celebration of the best flavors from St. Louis and beyond—bringing together standout chefs, award-winning mixologists, and unforgettable experiences all in one space.”
According to a recent social media post, Katz’s, world-renowned for its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches, fresh mustard, and thick-cut fries, sold more than 500 pounds of pastrami at its festival debut last August.
Given the incredible response, Braden Tewolde, Founder of Foodies Eat First Fest, decided to bring the Lower East Side institution back to the Gateway City.
“‘We knew bringing Katz’s to St. Louis would be special, but the response exceeded all expectations,’ he said in an Instagram post.
“Sharing that moment with so many people who came up to me expressing excitement because they haven’t had it in decades or have a core memory around it, motivated me to bring them back,” he added, noting that Foodies Eat First is the only authentic Katz’s experience to be found outside of NYC.
Early bird tickets to the fest are on sale now for $15.
And a ticket to the festival does more than fill your plate; it gives back on your behalf.
In 2025, Foodies Eat First raised nearly $7,000 for St. Louis–area tornado relief and $2,000 for The Trevor Project, a non-profit suicide prevention organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth.
In 2026, the festival pledged that a portion of all ticket sales would again be directed to community support.
This year’s programming will also introduce fitness-focused experiences, reflecting Tewolde’s call for an “approach to wellness, balance, and hospitality culture.”
Katz’s bills itself as New York City’s oldest deli and is as famous for serving towering sandwiches as it is for being featured in the 1989 romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally…” that saw Meg Ryan’s character loudly faking a climax at one of its tables.
Earlier this week, Katz’s once again made headlines by reopening The Ludlow Room, a restored 68-seat dining room that has been closed to the public since 1949.
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