Business Buzz By Rich Baehrle
For more than four decades, Downbeach Deli & Restaurant has been a Margate institution, serving generations of families, local residents and vacationers who return year after year for its traditional Jewish deli favorites, generous portions and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
On Nov. 1, 2026, Ramziz Yakubov became the owner of Downbeach Deli & Restaurant at 8 S. Essex Ave. in Margate. He took over from Richard “Buddy” Della Fave and his wife, Jessica, whose family operated the restaurant for about 11 years.
For Yakubov, buying Downbeach Deli fulfilled a lifelong dream and capped nearly 15 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
A Margate tradition since 1982
Downbeach Deli opened in 1982 and quickly established itself as a traditional New York-style Jewish delicatessen. Over the years, it became a neighborhood landmark where families gathered, friendships developed and generations enjoyed familiar comfort foods.
Della Fave began working at the restaurant as a teenager and bought the business from longtime owner Robert Hammerschlag in 2016. He and his wife continued the traditions that made Downbeach Deli one of Margate’s most recognizable restaurants.
From Moscow to Margate
Yakubov’s restaurant career began thousands of miles away in Moscow during his college years.
He gained hands-on experience at Fusion Restaurant, where he worked as a server before advancing to shift manager.
His first job after arriving in the United States was as an intermediate cook at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. He went on to work for Atlantic City restaurateur George Siganos, managing several food outlets and gaining experience in restaurant operations, kitchen management and customer service.
He also worked at the former Revel Casino, where he advanced from cook to sous chef before the casino closed.
Over nearly 15 years, Yakubov worked in virtually every aspect of the food and beverage industry, preparing him for restaurant ownership. He lives in Linwood with his wife and children.
An entrepreneur fulfills his dream
Before buying Downbeach Deli, Yakubov owned and operated Escape Virtual Reality, an arcade in Cherry Hill, for about five and a half years. He sold the business to pursue his longtime dream of owning a restaurant.
When Downbeach Deli became available, he recognized the opportunity. He spent about six months working at the restaurant before taking ownership, learning how it operated and getting to know customers.
He also found a connection between traditional Jewish deli cuisine and the Russian foods he grew up eating. Smoked fish, salami, pickles, soups, pastries and kasha were all childhood favorites.
What makes Downbeach Deli special?
Downbeach Deli is known for its New York-style Jewish deli menu, featuring oversized corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, Reubens, brisket, turkey and other deli favorites.
Customers also enjoy homestyle soups, including matzo ball and mushroom barley, along with knishes, chopped liver, smoked fish, bagels with lox and other traditional Jewish specialties.
Breakfast favorites include omelets, pancakes, eggs and breakfast sandwiches. Lunch and dinner feature hearty sandwiches, salads and homestyle meals.
The welcoming atmosphere and generous portions have helped make dining there a tradition for many local families.
Preserving the past and building the future
Yakubov’s priority is to preserve the menu, atmosphere and traditions customers have enjoyed for decades while making improvements based on his restaurant experience.
He was touched by the warm reception from longtime customers who stopped by to congratulate him and offer encouragement.
Yakubov knows how many family memories are tied to Downbeach Deli. His goal is to keep the restaurant thriving for another 40 years so future generations can enjoy the same traditions.
Congratulations to Ramziz Yakubov and his family on their new venture!
Downbeach Deli & Restaurant is at 8 S. Essex Ave. in Margate. Call 609-823-7310 for information.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. They are the backbone of our communities and help make the Jersey Shore a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
Rich Baehrle is a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors. He has been a Realtor for 44 years and leads Team Baehrle, which includes his wife, Michelle, and his son, Bryan. Contact him at 609-226-6680 or richardbaehrle2@gmail.com
