Sarri Harper is the CEO of Carnegie Deli and a third-generation steward of one of New York City’s most iconic culinary institutions. Growing up immersed in the family business alongside her grandfather, Milton Parker, she developed a deep appreciation for the deli’s legacy of quality, tradition, and hospitality. Today, she leads Carnegie Deli’s evolution into a modern, omnichannel brand—expanding through e-commerce, retail partnerships, and high-profile experiential activations—while preserving the nostalgic charm and authenticity that made it a cultural landmark.

Under Sarri’s leadership, Carnegie Deli has expanded far beyond its original footprint, meeting customers wherever they are through retail, e-commerce, and experiential partnerships. Examples include: Major cultural venues and events, including locations inside Madison Square Garden and seasonal pop-ups at the U.S. Open and Saratoga Race Course; Retail and wholesale partnerships, including nationwide distribution with retailers like Costco; andCreative collaborations with iconic New York brands, including Serendipity3 and Temple Bar. 

What first interested you in your area of the hospitality industry?

Hospitality has always been a part of my life, it wasn’t something I discovered later, it’s something I grew up in. Some of my earliest memories are being in the deli with my grandfather, watching how much pride he took in creating a place where people felt at home. That idea—that food and hospitality can create connection, nostalgia, and lasting memories—really stayed with me and ultimately shaped my path.

Who are a few of the people that have encouraged your career?

My biggest influence has been my grandfather, Milton Parker, who built Carnegie Deli into what it became. He taught me that hospitality is about consistency, quality, and making people feel something when they walk through the door—or now, when they experience the brand anywhere. My mother has also been incredibly influential, as someone who helped run the business and showed me firsthand what it takes to sustain a legacy across generations.

What challenges do you think people face in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges is evolving without losing your identity. When you’re working with a brand that has such a strong legacy, there’s a responsibility to preserve what people love about it while also adapting to how consumers experience food today. For us, that’s meant expanding beyond a single location into e-commerce, retail, and experiential moments, while still delivering that same authentic New York deli experience.

Can you cite a few accomplishments that have given you great pride and elevated your work?

What I’m most proud of is helping bring Carnegie Deli to a new generation in ways that still feel true to its roots. Whether it’s seeing our products available nationwide, creating partnerships with other iconic brands, or showing up at major cultural events like the U.S. Open, those moments represent the balance of honoring tradition while building something forward-looking.

What piece of advice can you lend to others who are considering a career such as yours?

Understand the foundation before trying to innovate. The most successful ideas come from a deep respect for what already exists. At the same time, don’t be afraid to think creatively about how to evolve, especially in hospitality, where guest expectations are always changing. It’s that balance of tradition and innovation that creates something lasting.

Everyone who works in hospitality has a story to tell about something incredible that happened on the job. What’s one that you often tell?

Carnegie Deli has always been a place where incredible, unexpected moments happen, whether it’s celebrities walking in or once-in-a-lifetime interactions you could only have in New York. For me, those moments aren’t just about who was there, but about how the deli created a space where everyone from regulars to public figures felt like part of something special.

What do you hope people understand about those who work in your area of hospitality?

I hope people understand how much care and intention goes into creating something that feels effortless. Hospitality is about anticipating needs, preserving quality, and delivering consistency whether that’s in a restaurant, a product on a shelf, or an experience at a major event. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes to make something feel simple and memorable.

Is there anything else you want Woman Around Town readers to know?

Carnegie Deli has always been about more than just food, it’s about culture, nostalgia, and connection. My goal has been to make sure that no matter where or how people experience the brand today, they still feel that same sense of New York history and authenticity that made it so special in the first place.

For more information, go to the website for Carnegie Deli.

Photo courtesy of the Carnegie Deli