Our Story
A&L Foods, Inc. was founded in 1938 by Jack Alpert and Marvin Levin, serving the Baltimore and Washington, DC metro areas with kosher groceries and deli salads. From the beginning, the company focused on supporting small, neighborhood “mom-and-pop” stores and delis that helped shape the region’s local food culture. In 1952, Irving Lansman—whose family had deep roots in Baltimore’s bakery industry—joined A&L to oversee Baltimore sales. He became the sole owner in 1972, guiding the company through its next phase of growth.
In the mid-1980s, Andy Lansman joined the business, which at that time operated with just six employees and two trucks. A&L relocated to a larger warehouse in Owings Mills, MD in 1990, and shortly thereafter experienced significant expansion following the closure of a major kosher competitor.
Growth continued with entry into the Philadelphia market in 2007 and an expansion into an additional warehouse in Bensalem, PA facility in 2015. National expansion took-off in 2013, and in 2017 acquisition of J’s Discount further strengthened A&L’s foodservice capabilities.
As the grocery industry evolved—with larger chains, broader kosher selections, and increasing demand for diverse products—A&L Foods evolved alongside it. The company has expanded well beyond its original roots, developing a robust international and specialty foods portfolio that reflects the tastes and traditions of the communities it serves.
Today, A&L Foods employs more than 150 people and serves customers in over 30 states. While the scale has grown, the mission remains the same: to be a trusted one-stop shop for both kosher and global foods, built on integrity, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.
Our Mission
To provide exceptional food distribution services with a focus on kosher and specialty foods, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and customer service that our family has upheld for generations.
We believe in accountability, integrity, and trust. That means we take responsibility for our actions, always act honestly, and build strong relationships based on reliability. Whether it's with our customers vendors, or team members, these values are the foundation of how we do business, helping us create a legacy of excellence that lasts.
Our Values
- Quality: We maintain the highest standards in all our products and services, ensuring that every item meets our rigorous quality requirements.
- Tradition: We honor our 85-year heritage and the traditional values of quality, integrity, and family business that have guided us since 1938.
- Service: We are committed to exceptional customer service, understanding our customers' needs and providing solutions that exceed expectations.
Our Team
A&L Foods has provided quality foods to discerning customers for more than 85 years. Our success as a company depends upon delighting our customers. And our people make sure our customers stay happy; that is their first priority.
Our dedicated team of professionals brings decades of combined experience in the food distribution industry, ensuring that every customer receives exceptional service and the highest quality products.
A&L Foods Team 1987
