A deli, short for delicatessen, is a retail establishment that sells a selection of fine, exotic, or foreign prepared foods. Delis originated in Germany during the 18th century and were brought to the United States by Jewish immigrants in the 19th century. They spread to the United States in the mid-19th century and have since become a staple of large cities like New York and Philadelphia. Delis offer a broader, fresher menu than fast-food chains, rarely employing fryers (except for chicken) and routinely preparing sandwiches to order. Deli meats and cheeses are sliced fresh on the spot, a practice that conserves as much of the product’s original flavor and nutrition as possible. Delis can be a combined grocery store and restaurant, or they can be strictly take-out or sit-down restaurants. In South Australia and Western Australia, "deli" also denotes a small convenience store or milk bar, and some businesses use "deli" as part of their business name.