Our History
1931
Max Chidel opened his meat counter at stand #57 in the O Street Market in NW Washington, D.C., where they sold quality, local meats with excellent, personalized service.
1954
Max’s son Harvey joined the business and the store now had its name, Harvey’s Market. The O street Market closes after a fire in 1968.
1971
Harvey opens in the Union Terminal Market
1978
Marty Kaufman joins his father-in-law’s business, a butcher shop right next to Harvey’s Market.
1987
George Lesznar, already an experienced butcher, is now married to Harvey’s daughter and he becomes part of the family business. He and Marty begin their long-running friendship.
2000
Harvey retired.
2011
A fire burns the Union Market, closing Harvey’s.
2012 – 2021
George and Marty join forces for a new beginning to Harvey’s, with a renewed focus on local meats from sustainable farms, carrying on the original vision from Max. They personally visit the farms, talk to the farmers and see the animals being raised.
Today
2023 Marty has retired and George continues to find new local farms.
