General Food Service

Company History

Our company was created through the vision of the Harry Wiener family, who in the 1940’s created the General Slicing Machine Co. The company, based in Brooklyn, NY, immediately became known for their hand operated slicers and hand crank meat grinders. These products became the foundation of the company’s sales, with large retailers like Sears Roebuck & Co. and Montgomery Ward Co. featuring General heavily in their catalogs.

General Hardware was created as a specialized division focusing on small hardware items. Products from this division were sold through many specialized catalogs for the hobby trade. Of General Hardware’s many product lines, one of the most successful was the “Vacu-Vise”, an assortment of various hobby vices that would adhere to smooth surfaces using an innovative vacuum base. In fact, the product was so innovative that even today the basic design of these vices is still featured in a variety of products. General was also well known as a manufacturer of a specialized line of products for the home brewing and wine making market called the “Capper-Corker”.

The General Slicing Machine Co. relocated to Walden, NY in the 1960’s and at the same time saw its manufacturing expand to include electric operated commercial grade slicers and meat grinders. It continued for years to provide high quality equipment to a variety of customers, a tradition that is deeply rooted and continues today. General relies on decades of experience to manufacture well rounded products at incredible value. From humble beginnings, General has expanded to include a wide range of products for the foodservice industry, an expansion based on understanding exactly what our customers need.