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Jerry’s Famous Deli closed in Marina del Rey this month, but the restaurant chain plans to rework the space as an entirely different restaurant in 2018. Eater spoke with Jerry’s CEO Guy Starkman about the company’s plans for the now shuttered Marina del Rey location, which will not carry the Jerry’s name.
Well known for its massive menu and late night hours, the 42-year-old Jewish deli closed the Marina spot and commenced renovations this month. Starkman estimates a four-to-six month build out for the new, unnamed restaurant. Starkman adds, “I opened the Marina location 20 years ago when it was Gulliver’s Steakhouse. Now we just want to keep up with what’s happening. We’ve got Yardhouse across the street, the area is booming. Now we want a bar scene with different chefs. But we’ll keep the signature chicken soup and matzoh ball soup.”
Local chain Jerry’s Deli experienced a series of closures starting in 2013, citing landlord conflicts in every instance. After 20 years, the Beverly location closed in 2013, with unfulfilled plans to reopen in West Hollywood as a hybrid restaurant/market. The Granville Cafe took over the space with a charming new look. The Woodland Hills branch lasted 22 years before closing in 2016, when the landlord demanded $70,000 a month in rent.
The same landlord problems occurred in Jerry’s Westwood in 2013, and the 8,000 square foot on Weyburn Avenue still remains empty. Jerry’s Miami Beach operated for 12 years before its end run in 2014.
Starkman credits a healthy relationship with the Marina del Rey landlord, whom Starkman sold the building to in 2007. Starkman also plans to remodel the Encino and Studio City locations in the near future.
Jerry’s was founded by Jerry Seidman, and Guy’s father, Isaac Starkman in 1978.
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