MONDAY UPDATE: Nate n Al’s says they are not closing forever and that the media got it wrong. Well, they should have explained themselves up front. They didn’t. They left it up to speculation and rumor.
Here’s their statement: An updated statement from Nate’n Al’s: “The media has incorrectly reported that Nate’n Al’s is “gone forever.” As we originally stated, we couldn’t fully guarantee the safety of both our customers and employees for take-out and delivery during this pandemic we have chosen to cease that service. Our current lease is expiring shortly and we have encountered major difficulties with the city of Beverly Hills who would have been our new landlord on Canon Drive. It is the intention of the current ownership to get through this crisis like every other restaurant and make the right decisions at the right time. Our goal is to keep the Nate’n Al’s tradition alive.”
SATURDAY Nate ‘n Al’s will close on Sunday after 75 glorious years of pastrami, corned beef, and tuna melts. Not to mention the fries.
The Beverly Hills establishment was supposedly saved by investors two years ago including music manager Irving Azoff. They were supposedly moving it around the corner to a new location.
Not a swanky place by any means, Nate ‘n Al’s was a success in two regards: comfort food, and people watching. Larry King used to eat breakfast there every morning, and there were plenty of other celebs who filled the room in search of a knish. Plus the staff was always welcoming.
Jerry’s Deli is gone. Duke’s Coffee Shop is, too. This leaves Canter’s on Fairfax. And Factor’s. Losing Nate ‘n Al is not just about the food, but it’s about the culture of Beverly Hills, where a hot pastrami sandwich and cole slaw could exist side by side with Prada and Armani and other over priced, over the top stores. Next they’ll come for the Brighton Coffee Shop, and then we’ll just hang it up.
Here’s what they posted:
To all our Customers:
Approximately one month ago the world as we knew it changed.
We had hoped that we could continue our take out and delivery service so that we could provide the community with the food that has been a part of our lives for years. However, our number one priority is to keep our customers and our staff safe and secure during this time of uncertainty.
After reviewing all the variables, we no longer feel confident that we can do that. It is with great sadness that we will be closing our doors for all business as of tomorrow, Sunday, March 29th at 8 pm.
Thank you all for being a part of the Nate’n Al’s family and a special thank you to our employees who have worked tirelessly to be here so that we all have continued to have our favorites available!
We don’t know what the future holds but we urge everyone to do your best to stay home and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Nate’n Al’s
