The Stage Deli began its ascent to gastronomic fame in 1937 when Max Asnas, a Russian émigré, opened a modest little delicatessen on the corner of Broadway and 48th Street. Mr. Asnas stocked his deli with the foods of his native land—blintzes, salamis, smoked fish and thick loaves of Russian rye bread.

Because of his quick wit and despite what some may have considered a "slightly gruff" manner, Max Asnas soon became the toast of Broadway. Actors from the nearby theaters strolled into The Stage in between rehearsals. Vaudeville comedians partook of his gargantuan corned beef sandwiches and The Stage Deli soon became known as the place to be—and the place to be seen.

Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia often stopped by, as did the chief of police. Business leaders followed and The Stage developed an even stronger reputation as a main setting for movers and shakers.

The diminutive Mr. Asnas moved to The Stage's current location at Seventh Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets in 1943. At the new location, columnist Walter Winchell held court nightly, gathering notes for the next day's newspaper and radio reports that reached an audience of some 55 million people. The occasional reference to The Stage further enhanced the image of New York's best-known deli.

In the 1940's and 1950's, The Stage thrived, with regular visits from Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe, Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen and many others.

Milton Berle, engaged in an argument regarding his beloved Stage Deli, once said, "They have the best chopped liver in town—and the owner will even lend you money for the check." Undoubtedly, Max Asnas picked up a check or two for aspiring actors and actresses, but his beneficence was always rewarded by the future stars.

In the late 1960's, Max Asnas retired and sold his beloved treasure. Within six months, he passed away, leaving behind a legion of mourning friends that included everyone from heads of state to neighborhood transients, all of whom he served with dignity and aplomb.

The Stage drifted for a time, but regained its bearings in 1978 when it was taken over by a group led by Louis Auerbach, Hal Katz and Joe Greenwald. They immediately restored much of The Stage's past glory as sports celebrities returned in full force: Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson struggled to fit into seats designed for mere mortals, but Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson fit in just fine. The kind-hearted curmudgeon, Yankee catcher Thurman Munson, also visited the Stage, as did Liza Minnelli and Carol Channing.

As time went on The Stage became reestablished as New York's finest example of classic delicatessen. Management reigns were turned over to Steve Auerbach, Lou's son, and Paul Zolenge, son—in—law of Bill Landesman, a member of Auerbach's investment group.

On any given day one can still see the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Meryl Streep, Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Harvey Fierstein and a host of other celebrities. Presidents' Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have tackled The Stage's overstuffed corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. President Clinton brought Secretary of State Madeline Albright and most of his cabinet in for lunch one day to the envy of every deli owner in New York. Then, in the fall of 2006, we went from Presidents to Princes as Prince William came to visit us and got a taste of our New York hospitality.

The Stage Deli proudly invites you to visit our Las Vegas locations and our restaurant in the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Our corned beef and pastrami can be found in BJ's and in Publix supermarkets in Florida. We also can be found in the International Terminal in Newark Airport in New Jersey and the Minneapolis Airport in Minnesota.

We look forward to serving you, both in your home and ours. Be sure to stop in and say Hi!