Gourmet Garage was founded in 1981, originally as Flying Foods, a wholesaler serving the great restaurants of New York City and other city centers around the U.S. The company imported and distributed fresh seafood, game, organic and specialty fruits and vegetables, and hard to find grocery items to the chefs of fine restaurants nationwide.

In 1992, it opened its Soho warehouse to the public on a daily basis after the restaurant deliveries had been completed.  Before long,  Gourmet Garage was born. It currently has five stores in Manhattan neighborhood locations, all devoted to the same quality and variety standards set by its original demanding chef clientele.