Niki Russ Federman Niki Russ Federman is the fourth-generation co-owner of Russ & Daughters, the iconic New York City deli revered for its premium smoked fish, bagels, and an assortment of traditional appetizing specialties and baked goods. Along with her cousin Josh Russ Tupper, Niki expanded her family’s 100-year culinary legacy into a thriving multi-faceted business to include two eateries, a bakery facility, and a production/retail space. Experience Although Niki Russ Federman was born with herring and caviar in her blood, she spent her early career outside the family business. After graduating from Amherst College, she moved to California and worked at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as an executive assistant to the director. She returned to New York a few years later and decided to learn the trade after realizing the importance of preserving her family’s cultural history. Russ Federman has managed to combine her love of art, food, and culture since taking over the business in 2009. She participated in a PBS documentary, The Sturgeon Queens, about Russ & Daughters and has appeared in various media, such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, Martha Stewart, NPR, Food Network, and Travel Channel. Russ Federman is also Chair of the Friends of the Educational Alliance and a board member of the Lower East Side Business Improvement District. Education Niki Russ Federman attended Amherst College, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.