Solomon Gurzhiev, owner of Solomon’s Grocery & European Delicatessen, stands for a portrait behind the counter of his Havana Street deli, April 24. Gurzhiev opened the deli in 2002 and runs it with his son.
Portrait by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

AURORA | Religious persecution forced Solomon Gurzhiev from the former Soviet Union into Aurora.

Solomon was an architectural engineer, turned butcher.

Before moving to Aurora, he suffered a traumatic eye injury working as an engineer. He eventually found work as a butcher in Tajikistan.

Solomon Gurzheiv imports his breads fresh from Germany, offering an option to shoppers whom would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado
A melange of sausages, and other meats are readily available, daily, at the Havana Street deli, Solomon’s Grocery and European Delicatessen.
Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

Moving to Aurora in 1989, he became a stay-at-home father before starting his own business. Gurzhiev opened Solomon’s Grocery and European Delicatessen in 2002 — bringing the taste of his old country to Aurora.

Solomon’s Grocery and European Delicatessen has a dessert case packed to the brim with a smorgasbord of tasty sweets. Pictured are a Napoleon and a cookie that is filled with caramel. Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

Fresh fish is one of the several options available at Solomon’s Grocery and European Delicatessen. The Havana Street market offers a bevy of sausages, seafood and Eastern European delicacies. Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

The Havana Street market sells fresh German breads, a large variety of sausages and seafood, more than 80 varieties of deli meat, pickles, cheeses, Eastern European snacks, and it boasts a dessert case not meant for the weak of heart.

Solomon’s Grocery & European Delicatessen is located in the Havana Square shopping center, at 1939 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014.

— Close-up by Philip B. Poston, Sentinel Colorado Photo Editor