Chompies co-founder Louis Borenstein passes away at age 93

🥯 Condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Louis Borenstein, the co-founder of New York-style deli and restaurant chain Chompie’s who passed away Sunday at the age of 93.

Borenstein moved his family from Queens to Phoenix in 1979 and launched what originally was called Chompies Bagel Factory in a mall at 32nd Street and Shea.

Over the years, Chompies evolved into an all-day sit-down restaurant, deli, and bakery with locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Glendale. Its bread and bagels are sold in grocery stores Valleywide.

The Tempe location, which was closed and sold in 2002, was featured on a 2010 episode of the Travel Channel’s ‘‘Man V. Food’’ when host Adam Richman failed its Ultimate Slider Challenge.

Borenstein’s beloved wife and co-founder Renee “Lovey” Borenstein passed away in 2024. The restaurants now are operated by the couple’s three children.