About Us

Founded in 1972 by Bob Heilman, Sr. in Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania, A La Henri began with a simple idea: handcrafted meals made from treasured family recipes. Our signature dish—a skin-on chicken breast stuffed with Pennsylvania Dutch-style bread stuffing—quickly gained recognition for its quality and flavor. Bob Sr.’s innovation even led to the creation of the original chicken finger, earning the well-known phrase, “If It Doesn’t Say ‘A LA HENRI,’ They’re Not Chicken Fingers.”

Over the years, the Heilman family developed over 200 handcrafted products, delivering to foodservice professionals across the country. Though the brand changed hands briefly, it returned to the family in 2010 and, in 2014, joined the DeCarbo Family, who—alongside Bob Heilman, Jr.—were dedicated to preserving and growing the A La Henri legacy.

In 2023, A La Henri was purchased by two families from Northeast Pennsylvania—Tom and Bernie Brown, along with Mark and Adam Reese. Both families have a combined 90 years of experience in the Food industry, encompassing both food service and CPG. They share the same goal and both have a passion for continuing the A LA Henri brand’s proud legacy. Committed to handcrafted quality and sourcing the finest local Pennsylvania ingredients, they’ve embraced the same care, integrity, and tradition that have defined A La Henri since its beginning. Today and tomorrow, we will continue to produce all-natural, handcrafted items—featuring Certified Humane, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, cage-free chicken from Murray’s raised right here in the rolling hills of Southeastern PA— A La Henri has long been trusted by foodservice professionals and is now becoming available to consumers up and down the East Coast as well.

100% Handcrafted. Family-Owned, Family run and Made in Pennsylvania with as many local ingredients possible!