1926 The Schwartzman Brothers open the Watchung
Delicatessen.
1951 Henry and Tilly Lilienthal buy the deli from the
Schwartzman Brothers.
1978 Henry and Inge Johannsen buy the Watchung Deli from
Henry and Tilly on February 13.
(Henry and Inge had owned a deli in Brooklyn from
September 1958 until September 1969 as well as a deli in
Dumont from December 1969 until September 1977.)
1979 In August Henry and Inge remodel the deli so it appears
very much like it is today.
(Back then it was known as the "Clean Deli.")
In October Robert begins working full time.
1986 In April Robert and Jeanne buy into part of the deli.
1988 In April Gary Kiffer becomes a full time employee.
1990 In September Robert and Jeanne buy the remainder of
the deli and become sole owners.
Henry and Inge retire.
1999 In January Gary and Maureen become partners with Robert
and Jeanne.