A traditional segment of Jewish American culinary culture known as 'appetizing' stores is currently undergoing a resurgence. Unlike Jewish delis, which are primarily known for meat-based dishes, appetizing stores focus on fish, cream cheese, bagels, and other dairy-based accompaniments. These shops were once a staple of urban Jewish life but saw a significant decline in the latter half of the 20th century as consumer interest in strict adherence to kosher dietary laws waned and eating habits became more secular.

Recent trends indicate that these businesses are finding new life, with a wave of modern shops opening to serve a public interested in traditional foodways. The Times of Israel reports that these stores are currently seeing a surge in business, particularly as the community prepares for Yom Kippur. While the industry previously struggled to maintain its relevance in a changing food landscape, the current revival suggests a renewed appreciation for the specific niche of fish and dairy-based Jewish cuisine. The stores serve as a distinct cultural marker, separating themselves from the broader category of the Jewish deli by their specialized inventory and historical focus on non-meat products.