5. The Oreo Cookie was invented at the predecessor to Chelsea Market
Before Chelsea Market was Chelsea Market, it was the headquarters of the National Biscuit Company, or Nabisco. The factory officially opened in 1890 when eight bakeries came together to create one super-bakery and continued to expand until 1958 when the corporation left for the suburbs. In 1912, Nabisco invented arguably its most successful product — the Oreo cookie. Lead food scientist Sam Porcello created the recipe, which has remained virtually unchanged over a century later. The company also produced classic products such as Saltines, Vanilla Wafers, Fig Newtons, and Barnum’s Animal Crackers.
Many remnants of the original Nabisco Factory still remain on site. Upon entering Chelsea Market from 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets, you can see a brass Nabisco plaque dating back to 1898, the year the New York Biscuit Company and the American Biscuit and Manufacturing Company from Chicago overcame their rivalry to join and form Nabisco. A display case is filled with assorted vintage Nabisco memorabilia, including old Saltines tins, vintage advertisements, and even a clock. You can also view some of the original Nabisco murals, including the mascot of a boy in a raincoat and an advertisement for Oreos. The hallway leading out onto 10th Avenue is lined with mementos from Chelsea Market’s past and present, including black and white photographs of the old elevated railroad.