In 1957, Meyer Kelner operated a number of "Handy Dandy" superettes within the City of Newark, NJ but always had a vision of becoming a wholesale distributor. Major snack companies such as Sunshine Biscuits, Tastycake, Murray's Cookies and Bachman Snacks would sell him at truckload prices in an effort for him to resell other mini markets or independents in the area. By 1968, the wholesale business had grown big enough for East Coast Foods to move from 4 store fronts on Fleming Avenue in the Ironbound Section of Newark, NJ to a Ballantine Beer 40,000 sq. ft. facility at 541 Raymond Boulevard. It was from this location that East Coast Foods became a leader in the industry and laid roots for what would become the first "Re-DISTRIBUTOR" in the Metro NJ/NY market.

In late 1976, Meyer's son Mitch joined the company and started to pursue the direct manufacturer relationships and built a logistic system that was second to none. East Coast Foods was able to take a wholesale order and deliver it the same day, eliminating the archaic "LTL" systems that manufacturers had relied on to service the smaller wholesalers. In 1987, the Kelners moved the warehousing operation out of Newark to a modern warehouse in Kenilworth, NJ only to outgrow the facility in less than 5 years. Today, East Coast Foods operates from its Distribution Center in Linden, NJ servicing the Metro NJ/NY markets with a modern fleet of trucks and tractor trailers. In 1997 the Kelner family purchased the C&C COLA TRADEMARK from RC Cola and continue to own and operate both companies.

Sadly, in April 2005, East Coast Foods and C&C Cola lost its leader, Meyer Kelner. He dedicated his life to building and providing a future for his family, he preached hard work and honesty, demanded perfection and applauded success. This gentle GIANT of a man was simple but firm. In 2008, Meyer's Grandson, Jesse Kelner joined the family business and today operates in a capacity of Vice President. Jesse continues the legacy that has maintained East Coast Foods as the leading and preferred Re-Distribution system in the Northeast.