A Place Where People Meet To Eat: The Story of Corky and Lenny’s
The Story of Cleveland’s Iconic Deli
Campaign Story
Corky and Lenny’s, a beloved restaurant in Cleveland for 67 years, unfortunately closed its doors last year. Founded in 1956 by Sanford “Corky” Kurland and Lenny Kaden, the deli served Eastern European and American dishes, including towering corned beef sandwiches, giant pickles, and matzo ball soup.
A Place Where People Meet To Eat.
- $146,000.00 Funding Goal
- 30 Days to go
Get Cool Rewards for your Donation. Click The Image or Here to experience truly awesome Corky and Lenny’s donation rewards.
It was more than just a restaurant. Corky and Lenny’s became a regional institution where families dined, relationships were formed, and entrepreneurs made deals. The restaurant was frequented by celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Sammy Davis Jr., Chubby Checker, Milton Berle, and David Letterman.
What does Corky and Lenny’s mean to me? It was my life. I was there as a young kid, I was there at five, six years old, looking for pennies on the floor, and taking boxes back. That’s where I started my whole life.
Kenny Kurland
WATCH THE ENTIRE PITCH VIDEO (7 Min.)
or watch the following segments below A Brief History, What Corky and Lenny’s Meant to the Community, What It Meant to Us, Why We Want To Make This Film
67 Years of Memories: However, the economic downturn caused by the pandemic contributed to the closure of this community staple.
I grew up in a way in Corky and Lenny’s. My family, like so many families on the East side, went to Corky’s on a regular basis.
Amanda Kurland
We’ll look back at this iconic Jewish deli, share customers’ memorable stories, and spotlight owners Kenny, Amanda, and the iconic Gloria Kurland. This is their story.
Why Make This Film?
About the Producers
A Place Where People Meet To Eat: The Story of Corky and Lenny’s is produced by Ultramagnetic Films in cooperation with MadWerkz Studios and Be Right Ventures.
Produced by Branson Wright (HBO’s Women of Troy, ESPN’s 30-for-30 Believeland, Fox Sports/Bally’s King of The Block), Chris Kennedy (Fox Sports/Bally’s King of The Block, Sankofa Solving X, SoulFood), Kenny Kurland and Amanda Kurland (Owners of Corky and Lenny’s).
King of The Block Produced by Branson Wright and Joddy Eric Matthews (Available on Apple TV)
A Place Where People Meet To Eat: The Story of Corky and Lenny’s is Directed by Joddy Eric Matthews (Netflix’s The Devil Next Door and Sky Rojo, Fox Sports\Bally’s King of The Block) and Best Feature award winner #50Fathers.
Looking to donate to our project?
Great! Everyone likes swag. Right? Our team appreciates each and every gift. Here’s what your thoughtful donation will receive in return. Scroll down for our Donation Links!
The Rewards
To learn more about each Reward before you decide, check out the explanation block below.
-
$25 A Lister – A Reuben and Chill Digital Premiere$25.00 -
$50 Filmmaker – Special Edition Digital Screening$50.00
-
$100 Crew Member – VIP Premiere Screening$100.00
-
$250 Assistant Producer – VIP Premiere Screening for Two$250.00 -
$500 Director – VIP Premiere for Four$500.00
-
$1000 Associate Producer – VIP Premiere for Six$1,000.00
-
$5000 Producer – Red Carpet Premiere for Ten$5,000.00
$25 Filmmaker – Level Special Edition:
- Enjoy a Reuben and Chill watch the film at home, get a Ticket to the Official Digital Screening, and Watch Party
A Reuben and Chill – Level Digital screening of A Place Where People Meet To Eat: The Story of Corky and Lenny’s. Join us for a LIVE digital screening and Watch Party for the film. Perfect for anyone who may not be able to attend the Theatrical screening and for those who might want to watch the film multiple times. The ticket will entitle the viewer to a 48 hr screening of the film. NOTE: Delivery month depends on Distribution agreements and festival selections.
$50 Filmmaker – Level Special Edition:
- A Signed Commemorative Poster – Get a Special Edition: A signed Commemorative Poster (11 x 18)
- Special Thank You Post from Kenny and Amanda on the Corky and Lenny’s Social Media Page
- A shout-out from Kenny and Amanda on the restaurant’s social media platforms
Includes: A Reuben and Chill
$100 Crew Member – VIP Premiere:
- (1) One VIP Ticket to the film’s premiere
- Includes the Special Edition Filmmaker Reward
Does NOT Include: A Reuben and Chill Digital Screening Pass Reward
$250 Assistant Producer – VIP Premiere for (2) Two
- (2) Two VIP Premiere tickets
- A Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat “Cheers” Graphic T-shirt Get a Limited Edition Corky and Lenny’s Graphic Tee that calls on the iconic “Cheers” image, and show everyone that you love The Place Place Meet To Eat!
- Your pledge includes all rewards: FRAMED – Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post, including the Digital screening passes
NOTE: Tee will be done in a similar graphic style as the image shown
$500 Director – VIP Premiere for (4) Four
- (4) Four VIP Premiere tickets
- (2) Two Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat “Cheers” Graphic T-shirts
- Your pledge includes all rewards: FRAMED – Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post
Includes a Digital Screening Pass NOTE: Tee will be done in a similar graphic style as the image shown
$1000 Associate Producer – VIP Premiere for Six, Special Thanks, Red Carpet
- (6) Six VIP Premiere tickets
- a Special Thank You in the film. See your name on the screen with a special recognition for contributing to the film
- (3) Three Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat “Cheers” Graphic T-shirts
- (2) Two Official Corky and Lenny’s Documentary CREW Baseball Cap
- Spend a day on set and watch an interview
- Invite to Cast and Crew Wrap Party and RED CARPET PREMIERE Party
- Your pledge includes all rewards: FRAMED – Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post
Includes a Digital Screening Pass NOTE: Tee will be done in a similar graphic style as the image shown
$5000 Producer – Red Carpet Premiere for Ten, Product Placement, Interview
- Product Placement in the Documentary
- Interview in the Documentary – Tell the world what Corky and Lenny’s meant to you
- Exclusive dinner with Filmmakers, Kenny and Amanda
- A Special Thank You in the film. See your name on the screen with a special recognition for contributing to the film
- (3) Three Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat “Cheers” Graphic T-shirts
- (4) Four Official Corky and Lenny’s Documentary PRODUCER Baseball Caps
- Spend a day on set and watch an interview
- Invite to Cast and Crew Wrap Party and RED CARPET PREMIERE Party
- Your pledge includes all rewards: FRAMED – Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post
Includes a Digital Screening Pass NOTE: Tee will be done in a similar graphic style as the image shown
