The Attman’s Deli family tradition of piled-high corned beef sandwiches, knishes, crunchy pickles, made-from-scratch matzo ball soup, and other mouth-watering delights began more than 100 years ago and continues today at its three Maryland locations.
The torch was first passed to owner Marc Attman at eight years-old when his mother, Ruth, encouraged him to “keep busy by sweeping floors.” He later manned the cash register at the popular Baltimore Jewish deli that his grandfather, Harry, started in 1915. Marc is the third generation at its helm.
Marc, a practicing optometrist, was initially reluctant to have two simultaneous careers. In 1999 he told his father, Seymour, that when his dad left the business, the tradition would come to an end.
“My daughter, Alison, was with me that day and told me I had made a big mistake. She said, ‘Did you see Zadie’s (grandpa’s) face? He wants someone to take over the deli.’ I returned and told him not to worry because I would continue the family business,” Marc says. “Today, they call me Deli Doc.”
In the beginning, Harry Attman and his wife, Ida, woke up at 4 a.m. to prepare sandwiches that they would then sell two for a nickel in Baltimore. His grandfather would explain: ‘This is a difficult business. We buy three cans of sardines for nine cents and sell them for 10 cents; we are literally working for pennies.’ His legacy went far beyond the time-honored recipes and the family's work ethic.
The life lessons included a great deal of sage advice that his grandson took to heart. “My grandfather was an honest, hard-working man who treated everyone well. He taught me always to be fair, always be charitable, and always be concerned about doing what’s right for others.”
At a time when change is a constant in our lives, Marc says the recipe for staying in business for more than 100 years is simple: “You have to be appreciative of all of the business that you get and give your employees a living wage.”
“We have loyalty from our customers and from our 100 employees, some of whom have been there for 30 years. If there is ever an issue, there’s never an issue, because we resolve it right away!”
Currently, there are three Attman’s Deli locations – Potomac Park in Potomac, Lombard Street in Baltimore, and the newest at Harbor Point in downtown Baltimore.
Favorite items, including deli dogs, codfish cakes, and scrumptious sandwiches remain on the menu and are complemented by the pickle bars, gluten-free options, and expanded vegetarian and salad offerings. Attman’s also offers breakfast and dinner and offers more catering than in previous years.
“It is a balancing act,” Marc says. “We always try to go with the times and maintain our deep-seated roots. It is important to always remember who you are.”
Now five generations after Harry Attman started his business, Marc frequently enjoys being able to sit down with regular customers to talk about what Attman’s Deli means to them.
“It makes me feel good to know we are part of their history,” Marc says. “I sit down and people tell me about the time when there were live chickens across the street, each shop had its specialty, and there were six delis that gave the area the moniker ‘Corned Beef Row.’”
Looking back on the promise that Marc made to his father some 24 years ago to uphold the Attman’s tradition, he has no regrets about continuing the family legacy.
“It was absolutely the right thing to do,” he explains. “This wasn’t just good for me, my wife, my sisters, and my extended family; it was important to all of us to maintain this aspect of the family name and continue this rich and delicious history.”
Attman’s Deli Locations
Baltimore
1019 East Lombard Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 563-2666
Park Potomac
12505 Park Potomac Avenue
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 765-3354
Harbor Point
1401 Point Street, Baltimore
(410) 759-3354
“My grandfather was an honest, hard-working man who treated everyone well. He taught me always to be fair, always be charitable, and always be concerned about doing what’s right for others.”
