Trash Trucks Come for the 2nd Avenue Deli

Jen Chung

Published Jan 10, 2006

Modified Mar 7, 2008

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Jen Chung

Published Jan 10, 2006

Modified Mar 7, 2008

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

By the time we got to the 2nd Avenue Deli, the sign was totally torn down and a "dismantling" truck had arrived. But 2nd Avenue Deli owner, Jack Lebewohl (right), was on the street, talking to reporters (he confirmed that it was in fact closed) and receiving condolences from neighborhood residents. Every few seconds, someone would stop in shock, ask what was happening, and then something along the lines of, "What a crime!" or "We can't go to Katz's - it's been going really downhill!"

It was pretty depressing to see the blue awning stripped away, because deep down, Gothamist hoped there would be some miracle deal, like some mystery investors would help the 2nd Avenue Deli out with its rent issues. But it seems the 2nd Avenue Deli is chopped liver (for now?).

We stepped inside momentarily, and it was messy. A crew kept carrying out all shelves and computers. It seems like most of the stuff is being dumped, though we couldn't quite find out what happened to the official sign. And no word if Lebewohl is taking the sign with his late brother Abe's name.