For years, Los Angeles nightlife and celebrity culture revolved around a few key places — restaurants where movie stars, agents, and musicians could eat comfortably at 2 a.m. without judgment. At the heart of that dining world was Jerry’s Famous Deli, a beloved institution known for towering sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and the occasional celebrity sighting.
Behind that legacy stood Guy Starkman — businessman, restaurateur, and the man who was once married to internet pioneer and model Cindy Margolis. While his ex-wife often graced magazine covers, Guy preferred to stay behind the scenes, quietly managing a multimillion-dollar family enterprise that became a staple of Hollywood culture.
This is the story of a man who grew up in the restaurant business, navigated fame through marriage, and kept his feet firmly on the ground amid success, scrutiny, and changing times.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Guy Starkman |
| Date of Birth / Age: | Not publicly disclosed (likely born in the early 1970s) |
| Birthplace: | United States (Los Angeles region) |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height / Hair / Eye Color: | Not publicly listed |
| Education: | Business and hospitality background through family enterprise |
| Profession: | Restaurateur, Business Executive |
| Family: | Ex-spouse: Cindy Margolis (m. 1998 – 2008) • Children: Nicholas Isaac (b. 2002); twin daughters Sabrina & Sierra (b. 2005 via surrogate) • Father: Isaac “Ike” Starkman (co-founder of Jerry’s Famous Deli) |
| Net Worth (estimated): | Several million USD (approximation based on business assets) |
| Known For: | President of Jerry’s Famous Deli Inc.; former husband of model Cindy Margolis |
Early Life & Education
Guy Starkman was born into hospitality. His father, Isaac “Ike” Starkman, co-founded the famous Jerry’s Famous Deli chain in 1978 in Studio City, California. From its humble beginnings, the deli became a Los Angeles landmark — a late-night haunt for locals, stars, and out-of-towners craving comfort food with a side of Hollywood charm.
Growing up amid the clatter of dishes, the smell of pastrami, and the constant hum of conversation, Guy’s childhood was steeped in the rhythms of restaurant life. Even though details of his early education remain private, it’s clear he absorbed practical lessons about business long before any formal schooling. He learned how to talk to suppliers, manage staff, and, above all, treat customers like family — lessons that would define his leadership style years later.
While many children of entrepreneurs pursue separate paths, Guy gravitated toward his family’s passion. In his 20s, he joined Jerry’s Famous Deli Inc. and quickly rose through the ranks, combining a hands-on approach with modern business strategies.
By 2001, he was named President of Jerry’s Famous Deli Inc., a testament to his management skills and dedication. For someone raised among bustling deli counters, it was a natural progression from apprentice to helmsman.
Personal / Family Life
Marriage to Cindy Margolis
In September 1998, Guy Starkman married Cindy Margolis, one of the most recognizable faces of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Cindy, known as “The Most Downloaded Woman on the Internet,” was a model, actress, and media personality — the digital era’s first real pin-up star. Their union seemed to blend Hollywood glamour with business sophistication perfectly.
Their romance was not only a partnership of two successful people but also a meeting of worlds — entertainment and enterprise. Together, they built a family rooted in love, despite the public spotlight.
Children and Family Growth
Their first child, Nicholas Isaac Starkman, was born in 2002. Three years later, in 2005, they welcomed twin daughters, Sabrina and Sierra, born via surrogate after Cindy publicly shared her struggles with fertility. The couple’s openness about surrogacy was ahead of its time, sparking positive conversations about modern parenthood and alternative family planning.
Despite the glitz surrounding them, Guy and Cindy focused on keeping family life grounded. They were often described as affectionate, supportive parents.
Divorce and Co-Parenting
After nearly a decade of marriage, the couple separated in 2008. The split, though covered by entertainment media, was largely amicable. Both continued to co-parent their children and maintain respectful relations.
The end of their marriage marked a turning point for Guy — one that refocused his energy on family and business rather than celebrity life.
Career Journey
The Family Legacy
The Starkman family name is synonymous with Jerry’s Famous Deli. Founded by Guy’s father, Ike, and partner Jerry Seidman, the first location opened in Studio City in 1978 and quickly became a Los Angeles phenomenon.
By the 1990s, it was a chain — a go-to spot for actors, agents, musicians, and locals alike. Open late, always bustling, Jerry’s Deli became as much a part of Hollywood culture as the neon signs on Sunset Boulevard.
Guy joined the family business as a young man and was instrumental in its expansion. When he took on executive duties in the early 2000s, he inherited not just a chain of restaurants but a brand synonymous with nostalgia and comfort.
Growth and Leadership
In 2001, Guy was formally appointed President of Jerry’s Famous Deli Inc. Under his direction, the company expanded its reach across Southern California and reported annual sales exceeding $70 million. He was credited with modernizing operations, streamlining costs, and preserving the brand’s distinct identity — classic Jewish deli fare with a California twist.
A Los Angeles Business Journal report noted that he helped the company recover from a disastrous financial year in the late 1990s, returning it to profitability within two years. That turnaround cemented his reputation as a hands-on, results-driven executive.
Setbacks and Adaptation
Like many restaurant operators, Guy faced his share of challenges. Rising rents, labour costs, and the changing dining habits of a new generation gradually shrank the chain. Fires, renovations, and eventual closures tested the business’s resilience. The iconic Studio City location, which survived a major fire in 2002, finally closed in 2020 after 42 years of operation.
Despite those losses, Jerry’s Famous Deli remains a beloved brand in Southern California and beyond — a symbol of Hollywood’s 24-hour energy and Guy Starkman’s unwavering commitment to service and tradition.
Life Challenges & Turning Points
Every family business carries its ups and downs, and Guy faced them head-on.
- Business Pressures: The late 1990s brought financial troubles, with the company posting a net loss before Guy’s leadership helped turn things around.
- Personal Loss: His father and mentor, Ike Starkman, passed away in 2008, the same year Guy’s marriage ended — a double blow that tested his resilience.
- Industry Change: As new restaurant models emerged — from fast-casual to delivery apps — Guy had to adapt the brand to a modern audience without losing its soul.
Each of these moments forced reflection and reinvention. Through them all, he remained faithful to the values of his father’s generation: hard work, hospitality, and integrity.
Current Life & Career
Today, Guy Starkman maintains a lower public profile than during his marriage years, but he continues to be associated with the hospitality industry. According to Bloomberg and other business registries, he still serves as President of Jerry’s Famous Deli Inc., managing brand assets and legacy rights.
He has also been linked to nightlife and real estate ventures in the Los Angeles area, reflecting a diverse business portfolio. Those who know him describe him as quietly ambitious, a man who prefers results over headlines.
Personally, he remains dedicated to his three children and family life. Occasional interviews and public mentions show a father who values time spent teaching his kids about work ethic and legacy — a lesson he learned from his own father.
Net Worth & Financial Status
Exact figures about Guy Starkman’s net worth are not publicly available, but estimates based on his role and ownership stakes place him in the multi-million range.
At its peak, Jerry’s Famous Deli generated tens of millions in annual revenue. As its executive leader and family shareholder, Guy undoubtedly benefited from those successes. Reports from the mid-2000s even linked him to other ventures such as nightclubs and real estate investments around Los Angeles.
Although the restaurant chain contracted in later years, its brand value and historical significance remain strong, ensuring that Guy’s financial standing remains comfortable and secure.
Public Image & Media Presence
During his marriage to Cindy Margolis, Guy Starkman was frequently mentioned in tabloids and entertainment news — usually under headlines like “Cindy Margolis’Deli ‘ Deli Hubby”. But unlike many who might have embraced the spotlight, he kept a measured distance from celebrity culture.
Within the hospitality industry, however, he is respected for his business sense and his ability to navigate an ever-changing restaurant landscape. Colleagues describe him as disciplined, even-tempered, and strategic. He rarely grants interviews, preferring to let the food and the brand speak for themselves.
He is not active on major social media platforms, and his public appearances are occasional, often connected to industry events or community initiatives. That reserved nature has contributed to his reputation as a serious businessman — not a celebrity in the traditional sense, but a fixture of Los Angeles culinary history.
Fun Facts & Anecdotes
- Hollywood’s Deli King: Jerry’s Famous Deli was a magnet for celebrities like Adam Sandler, Will Smith, and the cast of Seinfeld. Guy once joked in an interview that he learned more Hollywood gossip from his servers than from any tabloid.
- Shopping Saga: In 2006, TMZ reported that Guy spent around $4,000 on dresses for Cindy Margolis — then stormed out of a boutique after a billing mix-up, prompting the cheeky headline ‘Deli Hubby Has Beef.”
- The Fire That Didn’t End It: After a fire devastated the Studio City location in 2002, Guy oversaw its reconstruction and reopening — a moment that employees still remember as proof of his determination.
- Family Legacy: In a recorded conversation with his son Nicholas for StoryCorps, Guy discussed the meaning of continuing his father’s work — a tender look at how legacy and family intertwine in business.
Conclusion
Guy Starkman’s story is not one of flashy fame or public drama — it’s about legacy, dedication, and quiet resilience. He inherited a family business that became an L.A. icon, helped it weather storms, and carried it into the 21st century with pragmatism and heart.
His life has seen public highs and personal challenges — from marrying a global celebrity to managing a declining industry in changing times — but through it all, he remains grounded. The deli may be quieter now, but its legacy endures, and so does his mark on Los Angeles culture.
In the end, Guy Starkman is more than just Cindy Margolis’ ex-husband — he’s a keeper of tradition, a restaurateur who understands that headlines don’t measure success, but by how many people you make feel at home around a table.
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(FAQs)
1: Who is Guy Starkman?
Guy Starkman is an American restaurateur and business executive, best known as the President of Jerry’s Famous Deli and as the former husband of model Cindy Margolis.
2: When did he marry Cindy Margolis?
He married Cindy in September 1998, and they separated in 2008 after nearly a decade together.
3: Do they have children?
Yes. They share three children — son Nicholas (born 2002) and twin daughters Sabrina and Sierra (born 2005 via surrogate).
4: What does Guy Starkman do now?
He continues to oversee business and restaurant ventures in Los Angeles and remains associated with the Jerry’s Famous Deli brand.
5: What is his estimated net worth?
Though not publicly confirmed, his assets from decades in the restaurant business and related ventures likely place his net worth in the multi-million-dollar range.