For the last 17 years, Ray Jada, 60, has been serving sandwiches at his family’s business, Ray’s Market & Deli, at the intersection of 25th and Folsom streets. Last night, the community he has called customers and friends for almost two decades came out to celebrate his decision to sell the business to spend quality time with his family.
Close to 100 people showed up at Ray’s Thursday night to see Jada behind the counter for one of the last times.
“It feels very wonderful and very emotional too,” said Jada. “My tears were coming down.”
Jada, a native of Jordan born to Palestinian parents, moved to the United States in 1981 at the age of 16, looking for better opportunities. He has spent all those 44 years in the Bay Area, and always in the grocery and food business.
Food, Jada, said is a passion he wanted to share with his customers and friends.
“It’s just the love for the food,” said Jada, adding that the hummus he sells is made at the store. “If you love the food, you make good food.”
Despite his love for food and for his customers, Jada said, it was time to enjoy his family. A husband and father of three, he said he decided to sell Ray’s to “take it easy” and go on vacation with his wife.
“We’ll take a cruise to maybe Alaska or Hawaii, then maybe Mexico. Definitely, we’ll have to go to Cancun again,” said Jada. “And Colombia. We have to go to Colombia because my daughter in law is Colombian, so we have to go meet the parents.”
Despite Jada’s departure, Ray’s will continue to operate and sell sandwiches. Jada will be at the shop for one more week, for any customers wishing to say goodbye and get a last sandwich (perhaps Jada’s favorite, the veggie “Dolores Park”).
When asked about one of his favorite moments as a child, Jada recalled his yearly visits to the West Bank when he was a child.
“Walking in the street in the West Bank in the summertime just brings you the joy and the freshness of the trees,” said Jada. “It’s an amazing scenery.”
So sad to loose him but happy for Ray at the same time! He deserves to take it easy, he’s worked hard!! Such a diamond in the neighborhood.
Dave.
Talked to Ray since this article was released and he wants everyone to know he trained the new owner to make all the sandwiches and even the hummus using Ray’s original recipes, and they taste tested them all for weeks before Ray felt comfortable turning over the shop. The shop is still operating as it did before —just that we won’t see Ray there anymore since he is traveling during his retirement to see family and generally enjoy retirement. Go Ray! Thanks for all the food and joy.
Happy Vacay Ray! Earned!
We love Ray’s!