According to Joel Haber, giant sandwiches in New York started appearing after 1920 as a symbol of financial success for the children of immigrants who could now afford elaborate meals. Delis, morphing into sit-down establishments around this time, solidified themselves as New York institutions.
Carnegie Deli, established in 1937, pioneered the creation of large sandwiches like the four-inch high pastrami sandwich in the 1990s. Other iconic sandwich places in New York like Katz's, Sarge's, and Pastrami Queen followed suit, building reputations for their giant offerings.
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