Today we’d like to introduce you to Leszek Berengut.
Hi Leszek, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My culinary journey started with my mom and grandma showing me the ropes in the kitchen. I went from just watching to actually getting my hands dirty, and it turned out I loved it. The kitchen became my safe haven, the one place where I didn’t seem to mess up or get in trouble, and that’s probably why they let me help.
Eager to dive deeper into cooking, I joined a school for meats and sausages while working at a meat company. But life in Poland had its own plans, and I got drafted into mandatory military service. I was supposed to learn telegraphy (Morse code,) but I hated it. So, I somehow convinced the general that I’d be better off in the kitchen. Lucky for me, he bought it. Before I knew it, I was cooking for a whole battalion, and they loved it so much they made me the head chef. Can you believe it?
After the army, I spent about five years in culinary and nutrition school, met my wife, had a daughter, and became the head chef at a different meat company with a huge restaurant. My army cooking skills came in handy again as I found myself whipping up meals for around 1000 people. Life in communist Poland was tough, and I was determined to give my family a better shot. So, I set my sights on the West.
But life threw curveballs. Trying to get a visa for Israel, my wife got sick, and our plans went south. On top of that, when my company found out I was trying to leave a communist country for democracy, I lost my job as head chef.
Not one to be held back, I jumped at the chance to buy a restaurant near a beautiful lake. Its success not only improved my family’s life but also paved the way for me to leave Poland for Vienna and, eventually, New York.
When I arrived in the U.S., I had just $800 in my pocket; I worked my butt off and moved to Los Angeles. Juggling three jobs, barely sleeping, and riding my bike to commute between them, I was able to save enough to buy a butcher shop and reunite with my family. Sadly, the Northridge earthquake took the butcher shop, but I didn’t let that stop me. I relocated the meat market at a new location, and a few years later was able to buy a kosher deli from the retiring couple next door. Within a few years, I was living the American dream and owned two businesses that were bringing a joy to my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Not a chance. Looking back, it’s been a rollercoaster. From dealing with communist Poland to losing my butcher shop in the Northridge earthquake, there was the aftermath of 9/11, the 2007–2008 Global Financial Crisis, and then dealing with the chaos of Covid-19 – as well as a nasty cancer diagnosis – it’s been a wild ride. But Charlie’s Kosher Deli is still standing strong. The deli’s spirit and my victory over cancer show that we can weather any storm and come out stronger. Our journey’s been about more than surviving; it’s about thriving.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Charlie’s Kosher Delicatessen, well, it’s a cherished local family-owned spot that has been a part of Los Angeles’ history for over 75 years. Icons from classic Hollywood and contemporary celebrities alike have savored my culinary creations. Our dishes? Crafted with love, from chopped liver to potato latkes. But it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the shared experiences. Our deli might not be the biggest, but it’s a sanctuary. A place where everyone knows your name and chats flow as easy as the aroma of our dishes. It’s not just a deli; it’s like an old hangout where everyone’s family. Thinking about Charlie’s Kosher Deli, it’s a story of bouncing back, a testament to our resilience. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. Being a small mom-and-pop shop, getting called one of LA’s top delis leaves a mark on this legendary city and its people. It’s the shared moments, the love for good food, the laughter, and the warmth that defines the essence of Charlie’s Kosher Deli.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
“Honestly, the most important lesson is to never give up. You have to have a goal, but you have to be flexible enough to adapt to the changes that come your way.
Additionally, a genuine passion for what you do is priceless. There are so many obstacles that come your way; without that extra ingredient, success may elude you.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlieskosherdeli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieskosherdeli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharliesKosherDeli/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/charlies-kosher-delicatessen-los-angeles?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
