Greenblatt’s Deli Restaurant and Fine Wine Shop, one of Los Angeles’ oldest stores, has permanently closed after 95 years of business. Owner Jeff Kavin made the announcement quietly on Wednesday, hoping to close “gracefully” before the upcoming Jewish holidays, which are usually the store’s busiest time. Kavin didn’t provide an official statement of the closing until the following morning, citing the difficulties of running a business during COVID-19, especially with staffing. Despite the quiet warning, Greenblatt’s saw a wave of customers come in on their last day, according to reports.
“I started to take over the running of the business from my dad almost 40 years ago,” Kavin wrote. “The COVID-19 crisis was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me at my age. I really enjoyed my years at Greenblatt’s and all of the wonderful people I met.”
The world-famous deli, located next to the Laugh Factory, offered locals and Hollywood stars various wine bottles and sandwiches, especially the customer-favorite pastrami sandwich. The restaurant closed for two months at the start of the pandemic, but the constant back and forth was too much for the establishment. During that time, Greenblatt’s transitioned to a takeout and delivery only format. The restaurant has yet to update its social media.
