Katz’s Delicatessen is breaking a decades-long streak and Ben Stiller is to blame.
For the first time in decades, the iconic Lower East Side deli is adding a new soda to its menu: Stiller’s Soda. The partnership marks a new collaboration between two quintessential New York institutions, bringing Stiller’s nostalgic, NYC-inspired sodas to the home of legendary hand-carved pastrami and corned beef. The collaboration marks a first in Katz’s storied history: a Shirley Temple is officially joining the menu.
Inspired by Stiller’s lifelong love of classic soda and his New York City upbringing, the Shirley Temple joins Stiller’s Soda’s lineup of nostalgic favorites, including Shirley Cola, Root Beer and Lemon Lime. At Katz’s, the new soda offering provides a playful counterpoint to one of the city’s most iconic deli experiences.
“This is a really special partnership for Stiller’s,” said Alex Doman, the slightly less famous Co-Founder and CEO of Stiller’s Soda. “Katz’s is a New York institution and part of the fabric of the city. Seeing Stiller’s alongside its famous pastrami and corned beef is a pretty incredible moment for us. We’re a New York-born brand inspired by the joy and nostalgia of classic soda, so partnering with a place with this much history feels like a perfect fit.”
Founded in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen has been a New York City institution for generations, known for its traditional Jewish deli fare, house-cured meats and legendary hand-carved sandwiches. The partnership with Stiller’s Soda brings together Katz’s enduring New York legacy with a brand built around the nostalgia and fun of classic soda.
To celebrate the partnership, Stiller teamed up with New York City creator New York Nico for a new social video that takes the announcement in a decidedly unexpected direction, now live on YouTube and Instagram.
In the video, Stiller arrives at Katz’s, fully convinced he is there to film Cats the musical, not a soda commercial. He commits to the bit so completely that he arrives dressed as Munkustrap, the character from the Broadway production.
The costume was created by Sarah Edwards, Stiller’s costume designer from the Apple TV+ show, Severance, who tapped friends connected to the original Broadway production to help source the look, including one of the production’s original wigs. The result is Stiller, in full Munkustrap costume, arriving at Katz’s to introduce Stiller’s Soda and the deli’s newest Shirley Temple menu addition.
Keep up with the latest from Stiller’s Soda by following @StillersSoda on social media or visit www.stillerssoda.com for more info.
