Hansel ‘n Gretel, formerly Henry Kast Inc., was established in New York City in 1872. That same year, Yellowstone became the world's first national park (President Ulysses S. Grant signed the order) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors, according to the company.
The deli processor served famous and high-end clients such as The Plaza, Waldorf Astoria, Luchow's and Lindy's. World War II veterans Milton Rattner and Jerry Wein purchased Hansel 'n Gretel in 1954. Rattner continued the business after Wein moved on, according to the company. In the 1980s, Hansel 'n Gretel launched the first Healthy Deli line of 97-100 percent fat free and lower salt deli meats. Rattner retired at age 93.
"Our closure represents the end of an era," the company said in a statement. "Deli was born in New York City. Hansel ‘n Gretel Brand, Inc. was the last deli manufacturer remaining in the city producing a full line of deli meats. The closing of our plant closes out a chapter in the grand story of Deli and New York City."
