A year ago, Jack’s Deli (14490 Cedar Rd., 216-691-6837) in University Heights was purchased by the Cleveland Restaurant Management Group, a multi-unit restaurant group led by Marc Glassman of Marc’s fame. The Jewish delicatessen was founded in 1980 by the Markowitz family and operated in later years by Alvie Markowitz and Gary Lebowitz.
After what many loyal customers would call a turbulent year, the deli will once again change hands come January 2026. Don Apel, a familiar face and name in the Cleveland restaurant scene, will take the keys to the delicatessen from the Glassman group. Apel has managed places like Flour in Moreland Hills, 3 Palms in Hudson, Red in Beachwood and many other restaurants.
“I’ve paid my dues under every type of restaurant owner in this city and other cities, but this is my first taste of ownership,” Apel says“I don’t think I could ever be more prepared and more ready of what to do and definitely what not to do.”…