Topline:
The giant neon Hollywood Arby’s sign that stood over Sunset Boulevard for decades disappeared in recent weeks, prompting questions from Angelenos who wondered where it went. It turns out the iconic sign — in the image of a 10-gallon hat — is being refurbished and could appear in a new location sometime soon.
Why now: The sign is expected to be installed at another Arby’s location possibly in Ontario, according to Damian Sullivan, an L.A. historian who specializes in vintage Americana.
“It's bittersweet because I think Los Angeles has such a long history of being one of the beacons of offbeat and quirky roadside attractions,” he told LAist. “ But in recent years, so many of them have gone away that L.A. is in danger of losing its claim to eccentricity fame.”
Neither Arby’s nor parent company Inspire Brands responded to LAist’s multiple requests for comment by the time of publication.
Why it matters: There’s been a push from local historians to preserve the Arby’s sign since the restaurant location in Hollywood closed last summer after 55 years of serving roast beef sandwiches. The Museum of Neon Art in Glendale and Judy Sibelman, one of the children of the previous owners, also worked to save the sign.
Last year, Sibelman urged the city to designate the sign as a landmark cultural resource in a letter to Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez’s office, whose district includes Hollywood. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission later voted against declaring the Arby’s sign a historic cultural monument, as detailed by Esotouric.
What's next: The sign, which was removed in August, is being refurbished, according to Esotouric's Kim Cooper and Richard Schave, both local historians and preservationists.
A project manager at Visible Graphics in Simi Valley commented on Esotouric's Instagram post, saying: “I will send you pics after we are done restoring this gem!! We will bring back its beauty for sure!!”
Visible Graphics told LAist it’s been in touch with the Arby’s corporation but declined to comment further.
What's next: Raising Cane’s is moving into the old Arby’s location on 5920 W. Sunset Blvd., a representative confirmed to LAist, with a refreshed design that respects the “iconic character” of the stretch. It’s expected to open late next summer or early fall, including the drive-thru.
The Raising Cane’s representative also noted that when they talked to Arby’s about the sign, the company expressed that they’d like to remove it so it could be relocated to another location in the greater L.A. area.