With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Beloved Junior's Deli Forced to Close After 53 Years
Westwood's cherished Junior's Deli has revealed they will be closing their doors at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 31, thanks to a rent dispute that is forcing them to shut down the restaurant.
Owned and operated by brothers John and David Saul, Junior's was first opened in 1959 by their father, Marvin, whose nickname was Junior, notes the L.A. Times. The deli beloved by Angelenos--including many celebs--was initially located on Pico Boulevard, but has been at 2379 Westwood Boulevard in Westwood since 1967. There the Sauls also operate a bakery and a catering business.
Junior's is known for their traditional Jewish fare, like deli meat sandwiches, matzoh ball soup (aka "Jewish Penicillin"), and pastries like Rugelach and cookies. With an eye on the modern diet, Junior's has on their menu a vegetarian "chopped liver," as well as sugar-free and gluten-free baked goods.
"There are a few great delis in the greater Los Angeles area. This is definitely one of them," lauds one fan on Yelp.
Support for LAist comes from
Among Junior's longtime fans is veteran filmmaker Mel Brooks, who said of Marvin Saul upon his death in 2011: "He was really an incredible host. It's a great big restaurant, but he'd treat it like his own dining room at home."
Employees, many of whom have been working at the deli for 20 to 30 years or more, learned Wednesday that these were the last days of Junior's as they know it.
The Times explains the real estate predicament of Junior's:
Each year from 1971 on, Marvin Saul hammered out a rental agreement with Beverly Hills-based landlord Four Corners Investments. But just over a year ago he died at 82. Negotiations this year between Four Corners and the sons broke down over a proposed rise in the rent, David Saul said. "They want a number that we can't give, and they're not willing to bend," he said.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist