Arby's fans are devastated after the chain officially closed one of its most iconic locations. After nearly 60 years of operation on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the restaurant has permanently closed its doors.
The closure marks the end of an era for many loyal customers who frequented the landmark spot. Arby's decision to close this historic location has sparked an outpouring of grief from diners who cherished its long-standing presence in the community.
Arby's Iconic Hollywood Location Closes
Marilyn Leviton, aged 91, founded the diner in 1969 and managed it for over five decades. Recently, it has permanently shut down, bidding farewell to its patrons and the community, according to KTLA.
A sign outside the Arby's location read on Monday morning, thanking Hollywood for 55 great years.
The roast beef restaurant officially shuttered on Saturday. Leviton mentioned that the closure comes after struggles caused by the pandemic, the state's minimum wage increase, and other business costs, including equipment upgrades ordered by chiefs.
She expressed her regret, saying she was sorry it came to this. Leviton believes the pandemic was the main factor in their struggles, noting that they might have closed during the pandemic if it weren't for federal loans. She also reflected on their long run, stating they did a good job for 55 years.
Arby's, known for its popular slow-roasted roast beef sandwich, has closed its iconic Hollywood location. According to MSN, this closure is part of a larger trend affecting major fast-food brands in Southern California. Earlier this month, Rubio's shut down 48 locations in the state, according to Eater.
Arby's operates over 3,500 restaurants across nine countries, but the Hollywood closure highlights the challenges fast-food chains face in the region.
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Last September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law raising the minimum wage for fast food workers from $15.50 to $20 an hour, which took effect on April 1, 2024. While this was a significant victory for the state's approximately 500,000 fast-food workers, it appears to impact customer traffic at establishments like Arby's.
In response, restaurants have increased menu prices and sometimes laid off employees to manage the rising costs.
Arby's Fans Mourn Iconic Hollywood Closure
According to The U.S. Sun, some customers have expressed on Facebook that the closure marks the "end of an era," while others hope to save a section of the diner that has become a historical landmark.
Outside the Arby's restaurant is a large iconic neon sign in the shape of a cowboy hat. Customers hope that at least one of these giant Arby's Roast Beef neon signs will be saved.
Some suggested that the sign should live on as an iconic sculpture, while others noted that LA often fails to preserve its history, citing the Brown Derby as an example.
Numerous Hollywood residents suggested local museums pick up the sign to preserve its legacy. Meanwhile, others shared their memories of the location. One person recalled their first visit to Arby's after a concert at The Palace when they were 20, expressing disappointment at the closure.
Another commented that Sunset Boulevard will never be the same again. Some speculated that more fast-food locations in California might close due to the new $20/hour minimum wage law.
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