Los Angeles Times: Jewish Delis in a Pickle
Tiffany Hsu, business writer for the Los Angeles Times, today published a well-written piece on the state of the Jewish deli, around the country and with an emphasis on here in Los Angeles.
Inspired by the recent closing of Junior’s Deli in Westwood, the article features great background on the rising costs and demographic changes impacting the traditional Jewish deli. The article also features a terrific picture of our server Sheila and includes quotes from owner Norm Langer:
Fish prices have “gone crazy,” said Langer, whose father launched the business 65 years ago. The deli hasn’t sold barbecued cod in five years, when the seafood went from being a third cheaper than lox to a third more expensive and supply became unpredictable.
Beef prices, inflated by the severe summer drought and mass exports to Japan, aren’t helping. Neither are skyrocketing premiums for medical benefits for the eatery’s unionized workers, Langer said.
And with diners still wary after the downturn, even a pastrami sandwich as revered as his struggles when it costs more than $20 a person after a beverage, a side dish, tax and tip, Langer said.
“At Quiznos, you can buy a sandwich for lunch for $5,” he said. “That’s a third of the cost at a first-class deli. The deli has a better-quality product, but you’re going to be filled up with either option.”
