PHOTOS & VIDEO : MTA Unveils Tribute to Legendary Saul Zabar at 79 St Subway Station

See Photos and Video of the Tribute

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today unveiled a tribute for Saul Zabar, owner of the New York institution Zabar's, who died this week at 97 and who partnered with the MTA last year to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the New York City Subway, and the 90th anniversary of Zabar's. The vinyl posters, which can be found along the platforms of the nearby 79 St station, feature a drawing of Saul Zabar in his white Zabar's coat.

"This tribute is the MTA's way of honoring Saul, Zabar's, and this special family that I've known my entire life, at the 79 St station, where thousands of New Yorkers can be reminded every day of his impact," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "The Upper West Side won't be the same without Saul, who helped a lot of businesses, not just his own, including the MTA."

"For generations, New Yorkers and visitors alike have made their way up here, often by subway or bus, to experience what my father built, a true Upper West Side institution," said Zabar's Assistant Vice President and Saul's Daughter Annie Zabar. "The store has always been a beacon for the neighborhood, and it's such an incredible honor to see that spirit reflected back today. We are so grateful to the MTA and to all the city leaders who helped make this tribute possible."

Last year, the MTA partnered with Zabar's to celebrate joint anniversaries, the subway's 120th and Zabar's 90th, with Zabar's offering a promotional "commuter special" featuring a $1.20 bagel with schmear, a $2.90 bagel with schmear and a coffee and a $9.90 bagel with cream cheese and lox. Bagels were wrapped in bagel- and subway-themed paper with drawings of stations, cars, and signage.

In 1934, husband and wife Louis and Lillian Zabar established Zabar's as a 22-foot-wide shop along Broadway and West 80th Street. with a mission to serve the highest quality coffee and smoked fish. Four generations and 91 years later, the family business remains as a New York institution serving its carefully curated selection of world-class food, from smoked fish and fresh-baked bagels to pastries, freshly roasted coffee, cheese, and more gourmet and specialty items.

"This tribute created with Saul's family and the MTA ensures that everyone passing through will remember the man who became synonymous with the Upper West Side itself," said Representative Jerrold Nadler. "Saul's legacy will live on in the 79 St subway station where thousands will see his face and remember a man who showed us that excellence matters, that tradition has value, and the life devoted to crafting community is a life well lived."

"A lot of us elected officials wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for Zabar's and its customers who got us on the ballot as we stood for hours collecting signatures in front of this amazing establishment," said State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "I'm so proud to have represented this neighborhood, and I know the Zabar's legacy will continue long into the future thanks to the leadership of Saul and the legacy he leaves behind."

"I grew up on the Upper West Side, so this feels like a loss to our West Side family, but Saul lives on in our souls as the neighborhood personified," said Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal. "And next time I go to Albany, maybe I'll bring some of Zabar's wares so everyone can enjoy them."

"Zabar's is known internationally, and it is wonderful to see his portrait right here at the 79 St station. Maybe Saul will help keep the train running at a very fast pace," said Council Member Gale Brewer. "May he rest in peace, and thank you for showing us the way about how to work with other people."