A delicatessen or deli is a grocery store that sells a selection of fine, exotic, or foreign prepared foods. Delicatessens originated in Germany during the 18th century and spread to Canada and the United States in the mid-19th century. European immigrants to Canada and the United States, especially Ashkenazi Jews, popularized the delicatessen in North American culture beginning in the late 19th century. Today, many large retail stores like supermarkets have deli sections.