Russ And Daughters Opens First Brooklyn Spot At The Navy Yard

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — Manhattan's fourth-generation Jewish appetizing staple has taken up shop in a new borough. Russ & Daughters opened its new 18,000-square-foot base of operations at the Brooklyn Navy Yard this week, complete with a factory window to witness all their favorites being made right before your eyes.

The New York stalwart, which first opened in 1914, has set up a bakery, appetizing shop, shipping hub, event space and new kitchen in the Navy Yard's Building 77 for what it is calling The Russ & Daughters Appetizing Factory. It officially opened Tuesday.

The new space is the latest in a series of expansions the family business has made in the last several years, including a new cafe near its home base in the Lower East Side and a spot at the Jewish Museum.

But the Navy Yard spot isn't only a new location for the eatery, but a factory that will help keep its operations going strong in the city, owners Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper said on their website.

"We have poured ourselves into this project to ensure that Russ & Daughters has the ability to thrive while staying in New York City for generations to come," the cousins said. "We think Joel Russ, our great-grandfather and founder, and his daughters, would be proud. We hope that you will be too."

The company has spent the last two years designing and building the new base of operations. It includes the bakery behind large windows where bagels, bialys, babka, breads and other treats are made and an appetizing counter to pick up those baked goods, or a helping of lox or smoked fish by the pound. It also offers some public seating for eaters to sit and enjoy what they buy.

The outpost has already had at least one well-known visitor. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams stopped by on Russ & Daughter's opening day in the Navy Yard to lend his support.

Building 77 is located at 141 Flushing Avenue.

"We hope you will come experience this living history while you watch us as we make the foods you love," the owners said. "Take a number and order at the counter just like you do in Manhattan."

Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images