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Small Businesses

After the American revolution Paterson and Passaic became major industrial centers. Jewish immigration to Paterson and Passaic starting in the mid-1850s and continued in waves during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of these immigrants were business oriented and highly motivated to start their own businesses. Pictured below are a small sample of small businesses that were established by Jews in our area.

Irving Pharmacy, Grand Street, Paterson NJ, Sidney Cohen, Gershon Cohen

Gershon & Sidney Cohen pictured in the Irving Pharmacy, located at the corner of Main Street and Grant Street, Passaic, NJ. Date unknown.

Mandiberg's Delicatessen Restaurant, Graham Ave, Godwin Ave, Paterson NJ

Mandiberg’s Deli, located at 230 Graham Avenue, Paterson, NJ. Does anyone know when they opened?

Petak's Kosher food, Fair Lawn, Totowa, New Jersy, 1928 to present

Petak’s was established in 1928 and closed its Fair Lawn Ave location in November 2023. The catering services continues at its Totowa, NJ location.

Edith Pinchak, Frank Pinchak, M. Pinchak & Son Pharmacy, Paterson, New Jersey, Clifton Line West

Edith and Frank Pinchak pictured standing in front of M. Pinchak & Son Pharmacy, located on Main St. and Crooks Ave, Paterson, NJ. The store operated from 1919-1977.

Verp Bakery, 30 Temple Street, Haledon NJ, First Ward Redevelopment project, Frank Verp, Samuel Verp, Louis Verp, Marian Verp, Howard Davis, Coral and Howard Verp, Stephen and Isadore Davis, Martin Verp, Beatrice Barbie, Mayor Albanese

Ribbon Cutting for new Verp Bakery at 345 Haledon Ave., Haledon, NJ. The bakery was a landmark at 30 Temple St. for more than 25 years before the move. (See photo for identifications of the ribbon cutters). Can anyone provide the date of this event?

Irving Pharmacy, Grand Street, Paterson NJ, Sidney Cohen, Gershon Cohen

Gershon & Sidney Cohen pictured in the Irving Pharmacy, located at the corner of Main Street and Grant Street, Passaic, NJ. Date unknown.