Our History
1908
The original Barney Greengrass store opened in Harlem on 113th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.
1929
Barney Greengrass moved to its present location at 541 Amsterdam Avenue.
1938
Current location expanded and opened a restaurant section.
James J. Frawley, a state senator and Tammany Hall leader, coined the phrase “The Sturgeon King.”
1939
Barney Greengrass shipped an order of smoked sturgeon to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Warm Springs, GA for Thanksgiving.
1955
Barney Greengrass passed away and handed the reins to his son, Moe.
1956
The Sturgeon King takes a Queen – Moe and Shirley tied the knot.
1961
Barney’s grandson Gary learned early on from his dad how to slice it in the lox and bagel business.
1979
Barney Greengrass celebrated 50 years at its present location.
1982
Gary took over the family business. “My brother is Barney Greengrass. I’m Barney Greengrass, Inc.”
1992
New Barney Greengrass logo unveiled – Neptune gets a facelift.
1999
When asked about the approaching millenium, Gary assured everyone that the carbon paper used to take orders would be Y2K compatible.
2000
BarneyGreengrass.com was launched – don’t wait on line, shop online.
2002
Moe passed away – his famous card tricks will be missed.
2006
Fourth generation Greengrass, Moe Benjamin was born. Gary named him after his father so he can use his father’s old business cards.
Barney Greengrass received the James Beard Award as “An American Classic.”
2007
10 Years in a row Rated #1 Deli in New York Zagat Survey.
2008
Barney Greengrass turns 100!