Beloved Los Angeles institution celebrates renewed neighborhood safety and the City’s historic era ahead

Los Angeles, CA—November 4, 2025 — Langer’s Deli, a 78-year-old Los Angeles treasure woven into the city’s cultural fabric, announced today that it will keep its doors open through at least the 2028 Olympic Games—and likely beyond.

“Langer’s and Los Angeles share a story that spans generations,” said owner Norm Langer. “As our City prepares to welcome the world for three unforgettable milestones—the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the 2028 Olympic Games—we want to continue serving Angelenos and visitors from across the globe. Langer’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an institution my father, Al, founded when I was two years old. We’re proud to carry that legacy into one of the most exciting chapters in Los Angeles history.”

At the heart of Langer’s legacy is the #19, a sandwich that’s achieved near-mythic status among Angelenos and food critics alike. Piled high with hand-cut pastrami that’s smoky, tender, and perfectly marbled, balanced by crisp coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and a swipe of Russian dressing between slices of double-baked rye, the #19 is often called the best pastrami sandwich in the world. It’s not just a menu item—it’s a cultural touchstone, representing the craftsmanship, hospitality, and timeless appeal that have made Langer’s a fixture of Los Angeles life for nearly eight decades.

Last year, Langer made headlines when he warned that persistent public safety and quality-of-life challenges around MacArthur Park, home to the deli’s iconic location at 7th and Alvarado, threatened its future.

Since then, Langer says the outlook has brightened. “Thanks to Mayor Karen Bass’s leadership, and the dedicated efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department, Recreation and Parks, Department of Sanitation, community clergy, and, most importantly, our loyal customers, conditions around MacArthur Park have improved,” Langer said. “The City’s investments of time, resources, and focus have made a real difference. People see the change, and we’re grateful to be here for them.”

Still, Langer says, there is work yet to be done. “We are optimistic that this progress will continue, it must continue, and Langer’s will do its part to be part of that progress,” he added.

As Los Angeles moves toward an extraordinary three-year period of global attention, Langer’s, soon to mark its 80th anniversary in 2027, reaffirms its commitment to remaining a cornerstone of Los Angeles life: a gathering place where community, culture, and world-famous hand-cut pastrami come together.

“Langer’s has always been more than a restaurant,” Langer reflected. “It’s a symbol of perseverance, of what this city can accomplish when we care for one another and believe in its promise.”

Media Contact:
Rob Wilcox (916) 396-0400 or robwilcoxpr@gmail.com