News Summary
Nate ‘n Al’s, the iconic Jewish deli in Beverly Hills, faces an uncertain future as redevelopment plans threaten its longtime location. Landlord Stephen Cloobeck intends to demolish the building, making way for a new three-story retail space. Despite the deli’s cultural significance since 1945, city staff have recommended approval of the redevelopment. The Planning Commission’s decision on this project is slated for June 10, and while the deli’s management is prepared to seek a new location, the community rallies to preserve its heritage.
Beverly Hills – The future of Nate ‘n Al’s, an iconic Jewish deli that has served the Beverly Hills community since 1945, hangs in the balance as plans for redevelopment emerge for the property located at 414 N. Beverly Drive. The beloved delicatessen is among the oldest in the Los Angeles area and has long been a cultural landmark, famous for its role in local cuisine and its status as a popular gathering spot for both the Jewish community and Hollywood elites.
The building’s landlord, Stephen Cloobeck, is moving forward with plans to demolish the existing one-story structure, replacing it with a three-story retail space measuring 14,448 square feet. While the development plans have been submitted, no specific tenant has been identified for the new building. However, a city staff report suggests that the space will likely attract retail or restaurant tenants. Renderings associated with the project show a clothing store on the first floor.
The redevelopment plan has drawn significant attention, especially given the long-standing history of Nate ‘n Al’s. A city review of the proposal is scheduled by the Beverly Hills Planning Commission, with a vote set for June 10. Notably, city staff have recommended approval for this redevelopment project, despite apprehensions from the deli’s management regarding its future.
Laura Dennis, the general manager of Nate ‘n Al’s, has stated that while the future of the restaurant is uncertain, she is prepared to seek a new location within Beverly Hills if needed. Cloobeck, who is also running for governor of California in the upcoming 2026 election as a Democrat, has not provided comments concerning tenant implications for the redevelopment plans.
In a report released by the Historic Resources Group in 2019, it was determined that the building in which Nate ‘n Al’s operates does not meet the criteria to be considered a historic resource. The report acknowledged the deli’s cultural significance but concluded that its importance does not extend to the architectural attributes of the building itself.
Nate ‘n Al’s was founded by Nate Rimer and Al Mendelson, who moved from Detroit to Los Angeles in 1945, creating a space that would eventually become a backdrop for numerous industry figures over several decades. The establishment has drawn patrons from various circles, making it an integrative part of the local community and a nostalgic element for many residing in Beverly Hills.
Historian Alison Martino has expressed hope for the deli’s survival, stressing its importance to the societal fabric of the area. Martino shared her support for Nate ‘n Al’s on social media, advocating for the preservation of the deli’s iconic signage should it relocate to a new site. Cloobeck later commented online that a possible new location for the restaurant could be at the corner of Beverly Drive and Dayton Way, a block south of its current home.
For years, rumors regarding Nate ‘n Al’s potential closure or relocation have circulated, particularly amid concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, as anxieties grew, the deli was acquired by Shelli and Irving Azoff, prominent figures in the entertainment industry. During the pandemic, the deli considered moving to alternative city-owned locations but deemed them unsuitable, leading Cloobeck to acquire the property while allowing the deli to continue operating as the Azoffs explored new possibilities.
As redevelopment plans gain traction, this 80-year-old establishment faces the prospect of relocating for the first time in its storied history. As the Beverly Hills Planning Commission prepares to decide on the project, the community remains hopeful for the continuation of Nate ‘n Al’s legacy within the city.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Press
- Wikipedia: Nate ‘n Al’s
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Nate n Al’s Beverly Hills
- The Infatuation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewish deli
- LAist
- Google News: Nate n Al’s
- The Urban List
- Google Scholar: Nate n Al’s Beverly Hills
