Familiar Face at the New Stopsky’s Delicatessen

Stopsky’s Delicatessen, the highly anticipated Jewish deli, opened its doors for the first time Monday.  While everything was fresh and new, black and white photos of Mercer Island residents and server Dave Rosen helped provide that familiar, welcome feeling.

You may recognize Rosen from his years behind the counter of , where he was recently voted “most popular server” in the ’s annual poll. Or maybe you knew him from his time growing up on the island in the 70s and 80s. Either way, his familiar face and extensive network makes his presence at Stopsky’s an asset.

“With his history in the community, passion for people and Jewish heritage, he was the perfect Venn Diagram of a hire,” explained restaurant owner and designer Lara Sanderson.

“Like many others, I have always said Mercer Island needed a breakfast place. But no one had the chutzpah to try.” Helping open this Jewish deli is so exciting, he continues, because “Stopsky’s is about making a connection with community and that is the number one reason I wanted to be a part of it.”

“My favorite thing about living on Mercer Island is getting to see so many people I know every day, whether I grew up with them or just met them,” Rosen commented in between his warm, personal greetings to arriving customers.

One of those familiar faces is now his wife, Stephanie, a former classmate he bumped into when he returned to Mercer Island in 2007.

Dave’s favorite menu items: Lemon ricotta blintzes and “Jewish bacon,” which is pork-free candied salami.

More About Dave Rosen
Age: 44
Current Position: Server and Schmoozer at Stopsky's Delicatessen
Former Employment: Shift Manager at Noah's Bagels, California Police Officer, US Marine
Education Includes: Mercer Island High School (MIHS) Class of '84
Family: Son currently at MIHS, Wife Stefanie is also a MIHS grad