Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery in the Lower East Side has been dishing out knishes for over a hundred years.

The bakery got its start in 1890 when founder Yonah Schimmel, a Romanian rabbi, immigrated to the U.S. with dreams of teaching people about spirituality.

Upon arriving, Schimmel and his wife opened a pushcart knish business in Coney Island.

The shop is run today by Ellen Anistratov and her family.

“It's an amazing feeling that we’ve been here for some many years and people love us,” said Anistratov as she manned the counter. “Hopefully, we are here for another 100 years.” 

The shop offers over 20 different variations of his famous knishes, including potatoes, mushroom, spinach, pizza and many more.

When asked what it takes to make a great knish, Anistratov wasn’t ready to give away her secrets.

“You can take two chefs and give them the same recipe, and whatever they are making will come out differently,” Anistratov said. “There’s a lot of love, devotion, and care, and like I said before it connected to something higher.”

What’s next for the Yonah Schimmel bakery? Anistratov has big plans.

“We’re looking to expand. We’re looking to grow.  We’re looking to take the next step from a mom and pop business.”