Nate ’n Al, the Beverly Hills institution that was about to serve its last pastrami sandwich, has new life, thanks to
Shelli and
Irving Azoff.
The two celebrity preservationists—the driving forces behind the restoration of the
Forum, another L.A. landmark—organized a coalition of fellow showbiz investors including
UTA’s
Jay Sures,
NBC Universal’s
Jeff Shell, real estate magnate
Mike Meldman, entrepreneur
Rande Gerber and wife
Cindy Crawford to buy the iconic delicatessen. This
according to The Hollywood Reporter, which cites sources close to the action.
Many a deal has gone down at Nate ’n Al, which has been a gathering place for showbiz
machers since it opened its doors in 1945. But its continued existence was threatened when third-generation owners
Mark and
David Mendelson decided to sell the deli, located at 414 Beverly Dr., whose value as prime 90210 real estate was presumably greater than its nostalgia-fueled allure for showbiz old-timers.
Enter the Azoffs, who were determined to maintain the 73-year status quo.
Sources tell
THR that the plan is to move the restaurant from its current location to a new spot in Beverly Hills' commercial district, possibly a few blocks away in the space occupied by
Wolfgang's Steakhouse at 443 N Canon Dr. The deal is expected to close April 1.
There’s no truth to rumors that the new owners will rename the deli
Shelli ’n Irving.
