The Story Behind Jeanie Bean & Family
Becoming a Jet
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, David Bean was a talented theatre act, landing a part as on the Jets in London’s production of “West Side Story” When a London production of West Side Story was announced, David Bean auditioned and was cast as one of the “Jets,” the Anglo rival gang to the Puerto Rican “Sharks.” Thus began several years of being a Jet, as David was cast as “Big Deal” in the London production in 1958, as “Tiger” in the Oscar-winning 1961 film, and as “Action” in the British tour of the early ’60s. In the film, Bean can be seen threatening the Bernardo character with his fist in the Prologue and pretending to be Officer Krupke while the other Jets sing to him in “Gee, Officer Krupke.”
The Love Story
During the London production, Bean met his match: a slender young English dancer named Jean. They enjoyed what Hollywood calls “a cute meet.”
“We danced opposite each other in the ‘Dance at the Gym,’ and she made a wrong move, causing me to twist my ankle. I didn’t talk to her for six weeks.”
When six weeks were up, the romance began. Almost as soon as it started, Bean was called back to America to perform in the film. Their love survived a year of long-distance, and they went on to become a married couple and the parents of a daughter, Jennifer.
The beginning of Jeanie Bean & Family Deli
In 1979, David & Jeanie Bean embarked on a new adventure when they purchased this historic 1908 tin-ceiling tin-wall building. For over 30 years they’ve been creating memories serving & welcoming generations of customers through the door. Eleven years ago their daughter Jen, took over this family business and is grateful to continue the tradition while making memories with them.
David’s association with “West Side Story” didn’t stop with the British tour. In 2019, Steven Spielberg invited him to make a cameo appearance in Spielberg’s remake. Bean can be seen in one of the storefronts during the “America” number.
David Bean wrote his book to savor the past and speak to the future. “The values we were brought up with by our parents were gold. It was a golden time,” he said. And to today’s young, he advised: “If you have a passion for something and you put 180 percent into that passion, I guarantee your success.”
Taking over the family business
As the daughter of David & Jeanie Bean, taking over the business felt like the perfect way to continue the family story! Family is the heart of everything we do. My parents are still part of the magic whether it’s sharing a good story or finding tootsie rolls behind your ear. I have an incredible supportive staff to help serve fresh, comforting deli favorites made with love. Our goal is simple: create a place where you feel welcomed, keep you well fed and happy you stopped. We’re excited to see you & make you feel like a part of the family.
-Jen Cahill, owner and daughter of David and Jeanie Bean.
