It's an ancient cuisine mystery which does not have a clear explanation. According to some, Arnold Reuben invented a Reuben at a restaurant in New York City in 1914. Others believe it originated from Nebraska and was created by a chef named Bernard Schimmel to get Rueben to play poker. It was said to be introduced on menus in the 1940s at the Golden Spur in Omaha. The Reuben sandwich became famous during the 1950s when it won the National Sandwich Contest.