Sometimes the most important thing about a real estate transaction is not the property, but what goes on inside the property.
Kohn's Kosher Meat, Grocer and Deli is the only freestanding, full-service kosher grocery in the St. Louis region, a mainstay known for its "killer pastrami" that also has a national following through a mail-order business.
Holocaust survivors Simon and Bobbie Kohn started the business in 1963 and passed it on to their children, Lenny and Rosemary Kohn, in 1979. When the next generation said it was not interested in taking over it was time to sell.
The brokers at Lawyers Realty Co. in St. Louis commenced a national search that drew several qualified offers. A sale to executive chef A.J. Moll and some investment partners preserved the business for another generation of customers and earned the transaction a 2023 CoStar Impact Award, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
"Finding the right buyer was key, so that the business could continue to operate and serve the St. Louis community and beyond." wrote David Wright, Lawyer's chief deal officer.
About the property: The current location at 10405 Old Olive St. in Creve Coeur, Missouri, takes up 10,450 square feet and has been home to Kohn's since 1997.
What the judges said: "The continuance of a Holocaust survivor's dream and life's work is important, especially since this is the last and only kosher meat market and deli in St. Louis!" wrote Scott J. Drachnik, chief executive of the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County.
They made it happen: Lawyers Realty Co brokers David Wright and Zach Williams represented the sellers, Lenny and Rosemary Kohn.
