WRITTEN BY CHRIS RILEY
All great stories feature an even greater protagonist and that’s why Solomon Abraham Lincoln Sack, creator of Sea Fare Foods in 1959, is perfect for starting ours. Born to a distributer within the herring industry, he would often find himself tagging along with his father, Willy, while he was handling business with suppliers in Scotland. However, on one of those Scotland trips the unexpected happened and he was drafted into the US Army in 1940. Something that ultimately led to him becoming a Lieutenant Navigator credited with flying over 70 missions in World War II.
Once back home he attended a university, but quickly realized it wasn’t for him. Luckily, he eventually found work within New York’s herring industry. And it was there that he would meet a young woman, marry her, have three children, and relocate to Detroit, MI – the place it all started.
Now, it’s his son Philip – along with his son Kevin, and Deborah, Sea Fare Foods employee of over 20 years – who runs the business under the name Ma Cohen’s. Offering mouthwatering ready-to-eat seafood.
BAITING IN A NEW ERA
Ma Cohen’s is a top-quality seafood producer that was created to showcase high-quality niche seafood products and offer consumers something healthy and ready-to-eat. All products are made in Detroit, kosher and gluten-free. Not to mention processed by hand within their facility located in Eastern Market District.
The small group of five begin their workday before sunrise and end it whenever they feel all tasks have been completed. A hard-work mentality that led to their pickled herring receiving the American Tasting Institute’s Best Taste award in 2003. Making them the only herring producer to ever be honored with the Best Taste Award.
They currently don’t have a storefront, but their goods can be found in Rivertown Market, various grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and Shed 3 of Detroit’s Eastern Market every Saturday. And if you’re wondering, their most popular products are their wine herring and creamed herring. Though, Kevin’s personal favorite is their horseradish herring and pastrami lox.
FISHING FOR GOOD
The first Ma Cohen’s packaging was much different than it is today. Herring was once packaged in clear jars that looked like barrels and there were no labels as all information was displayed on a metal lid. However, once the UPC was established in the ‘70’s, that transitioned to a label which incorporated a lighthouse – a staple in Ma Cohen’s branding and something that will continue to be incorporated in all of Ma Cohen’s packaging.
And rightfully, so. Because though their focus is giving the world a tasty product, they also strive to be a light within the community. Which is why they established Respect & Resources, a brand instrumental in donating hundreds of warm winter coats to children in need within the Detroit community.
If you want to learn more about this brand, be sure to check out their website at www.macohens.com or their Instagram and Facebook handle @macohens.
And next time you’re at Rivertown Market, be sure to check out the selection from Ma Cohen’s in our Seafood Department!
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