Interview with Jeff Kaplan, March 23, 2017

Interview Summary

In this interview, Jeffrey Kaplan recounts his life as a Jewish businessman in Lexington, Kentucky, from his mid-adult life to present day (in 2017). Beginning with his childhood, he describes how he grew up surrounded by other Jewish children and was educated in Judaism. During this time, Kaplan had several unique experiences that cemented his identity as a Jewish person, such as participating in an imaginative Jewish wedding ceremony as a child, which included a makeshift chuppah and stand-in rabbi. However, his parents provided knowledge beyond that of their faith as well.

Kaplan's father was a store-owner in Miami, Florida, during Kaplan's childhood in the 1970s and Kaplan claims that his involvement with his father's work inspired his own "entrepreneurial spirit" - and Kaplan's eventual business pursuits. Kaplan married his college sweetheart, Carol, and they had two daughters, Robin and Samantha. Kaplan and his wife kept a traditional Jewish home, which included kashrut and Sabbath observance, which was more ritual observance than he had experienced during his childhood. In his later adult life, inspired by his father and supported by his wife, Kaplan decided to become a franchisee of Subway Corporate. This venture quickly developed into a full-fledged career and Kaplan later became the owner of the Parkette restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, which is now locally renowned. Although he attributes much of his good character to his Jewish faith, Kaplan insists that determination and the acceptance of his own failures allowed him to become successful in business. Through his running of the Parkette and his involvement in the local Jewish community, he continues to serve members of the Lexington community. In conclusion, Jeffrey Kaplan advises listeners to pursue their own dreams and desires, just as he did.

Interview Keyword

The Parkette Subway restaurants Philadelphia (Pa.) Miami (Fla.) Anti-Semitism Antisemitism Discrimination.

Interview LC Subject

Entrepreneurship Jewish businesspeople Small business--Kentucky Small business--Ownership Jewish children Jewish families. Childhood Jews--Identity. Judaism. Religion Worship (Judaism) Education Lexington (Ky.) Restaurants Jews--Kentucky--Lexington. Families

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.