Short Story
The Story of Cleveland’s Iconic Deli
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. 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.
A Place Where People Meet to Eat: The Story of Corky and Lenny’s
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$146,000.00
Funding Goal -
$0.00
Funds Raised -
21
Days to go -
Target Goal
Campaign End Method
Campaign Story
The Story of Cleveland’s Iconic Deli
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. 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
However, the economic downturn caused by the pandemic contributed to the closure of this community staple.
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.
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 Rright Ventures.
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
Check out the video for a brief history of Corky and Lenny’s.
It is 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).
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.
Rewards
$25.00
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.
February, 2025
$50.00
Filmmaker - Level Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post from Kenny and Amanda on the Corky and Lenny's Social Media Page Get a Special Edition: A signed Commemorative Poster (11 x 18) from the production team and a shout-out from Kenny and Amanda on the restaurant's social media platforms. This includes the Digital screening.
February, 2025
$100.00
Crew Member - Level VIP Premiere ticket (1) (1) One VIP Ticket to the premiere, includes all rewards: Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post, Does NOT include the Digital screening
February, 2025
$250.00
Assistant Producer - Level (2) Two VIP Premiere tickets and 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
February, 2025
$500.00
Director - Level (4) Four VIP Premiere tickets and (2) Two Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat "Cheers" Graphic T-shirts AND (1) One Official Corky and Lenny's Documentary CREW Baseball Cap 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! Get an Official Corky and Lenny's Documentary Crew Baseball Cap, the same one worn by the crew and producers Your pledge includes all rewards: FRAMED - Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post, including the Digital screening passes
February, 2025
$1,000.00
Associate Producer - Level (6) Four VIP Premiere tickets and (3) Two Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat "Cheers" Graphic T-shirts AND (2) One Official Corky and Lenny's Documentary PRODUCER Baseball Cap AND Spend a day on set and watch an interview! Invite to Cast and Crew Wrap Party and RED CARPET PREMIERE Party Get (2) Two Limited Edition Corky and Lenny's Graphic Tee that call on the iconic "Cheers" image, and show everyone that you love The Place Place Meet To Eat! Get an Official Corky and Lenny's Documentary PRODUCER Baseball Cap, the same one worn by the producers Also, a Special Thank You in the film. See your name on the screen with a special recognition for contributing to the film. See your name on the screen with a special recognition for contributing to the film Your pledge includes all rewards: FRAMED - Special Edition: A Signed Commemorative Poster and Special Thank You Post, including the Digital screening passes
February, 2025
$5,000.00
Producer - Level Product Placement in the Documentary. Interview in the Documentary. Tell the world what Corky and Lenny's meant to you. Join us and experience life in front of the camera! Exclusive dinner with Filmmakers, Kenny and Amanda. (10) Ten VIP Premiere tickets and (3) Two Limited Edition The Place Where People Meet To Eat "Cheers" Graphic T-shirts AND (4) Four Official Corky and Lenny's Documentary PRODUCER Baseball Caps AND Spend a day on set and watch an interview! Invite to Cast and Crew Wrap Party and RED CARPET PREMIERE Party Includes EVERYTHING below.
February, 2025
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