Debbie's Kitchen is returning (with Debbie)
Debbie's reopening the kitchen.
There's wondrous sandwich news in Albany: Debbie's Kitchen is planning to return to its old location on Madison Avenue in Albany -- with Debbie herself at the helm.
Debbie, of course, is Debbie Klauber, whose soups, sandwiches, and desserts were Albany famous for 25 years.
Klauber sold the kitchen back in 2010 to try new things. She lived part time in Belize for a while, selling her desserts, and a few years ago started working summers at Siro's in Saratoga.
Now, she says, she's back in the area full time.
"The Northeast is my heartbeat," she said, "with opportunity, real friends, and a continued support. I get accolades daily. Who wouldn't want that style of job appreciation."
If you're already dreaming of your favorite sandwich, you have to hang on until October, when Klauber plans to re-open in the old space at 456 Madison Avenue near Washington Park. (The space has had a few different tenants in the time since Klauber sold the business, most recently Timmy's Chinese Cuisine.)
The menu, Klauber said, will be similar to the old Debbie's.
"I believe the menus and crafty sandwich specials will still be my crazy flavor profile," she said, "with soups, desserts, and some salads."
She's also looking at creating some prepared meals -- things like spanakopita and mashed potatoes -- so people can grab dinner when they pick up their sandwich for lunch.
"The only way to really make ends meet in the food industry is volume," Klauber said. "Success is getting to boil more potatoes."
Earlier: Debbie sells the kitchen (2010)
Find It
Debbie's Kitchen
456 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 456 Madison Avenue
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Comments
SO EXCITED! :-)
... said Jsc on Aug 14, 2018 at 6:09 PM | link
Excited to see Debbie’s Kitchen returning to the neighborhood. I lived in the Center Square neighborhood for over 20 years. I think she started on Lark Street and relocated to Madison Ave a few years later. I remember on Lark Street she used to pay “Dean” to sweep the sidewalk. He was homeless and he would do what she wanted to make a few dollars. Well she paid him in food, he would have a fit he wanted cash money. He would come back the next day and she always paid him in food. Miss you and your homemade pies and delicious food, so happy your back. Please make sure to add the porkchetta, apple sandwich to your menu. My alltime favorite.
... said Julie on Aug 14, 2018 at 8:35 PM | link
Fantastic ... Debbie’s was sorely missed. Hopefully she’ll regularly have one or two vegetarian options on the menu when she returns ... either way, this is good news.
... said KJS on Aug 14, 2018 at 8:57 PM | link
YES!!!! This is a dream come true. Fantastic news! Welcome back, Debbie!
... said Nicole on Aug 15, 2018 at 8:52 AM | link
Someone pinch me!
... said Jamie on Aug 15, 2018 at 10:09 AM | link
I can't wait!!!LOVE Debbie's kitchen especially her pies for Thanksgiving.
... said Mary on Aug 15, 2018 at 1:58 PM | link
Wait, it's been 8 years?! That's insane. Awesome news.
... said MM on Aug 15, 2018 at 2:16 PM | link
The best news I have heard in a while! I have been hunting down a place that makes a turkey sandwich with garlic mayo like hers and nothing compares!
... said Carrie on Aug 16, 2018 at 11:47 PM | link
I did like the food there. Towards the end it was very dingy dirty and run down....is it really hard for a small business owner to paint some walls wash some floors and at least make it cozy and clean???
... said BS on Aug 17, 2018 at 11:35 AM | link
@BS She sold it along with the name when she left. What you remember is how I remember it was run with the new owner. I would walk in during lunch and no one would be there. Debbie always ran a great shop and I'm looking forward to her return
... said Dylan on Aug 18, 2018 at 8:50 PM | link
There seems to be no disagreement among anyone about having Debbie back! My wife, friends and I are anxious to see Debbie work her magic. In addition to these web site comments, check out the front of 456 Madison where there are love signs pasted all over the facade for Debbie's return.
... said Al De Salvo on Aug 21, 2018 at 7:25 AM | link
YIPPEE, now i can finally gain some weight back, while eating DELICIOUS FOOD!!!
... said mg on Sep 9, 2018 at 11:30 PM | link
I'm wondering it this is really coming to pass...when I walked by today, all the outside signage was gone, no work permits in window and no signs of life inside...just a "For Rent" sign in the window
... said jsc on Sep 18, 2018 at 4:38 PM | link
I grew up on these sandwiches. My heart broke when she announced her departure. I'm coming home for Christmas, and I'll be going here every day
... said Sam on Dec 1, 2018 at 6:50 PM | link