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Hungry people strolling along Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood may be wondering where their meat is after an Arby’s location closes after more than 50 years in business.
On Tuesday, the fast-food restaurant’s iconic cowboy hat sign was captured by FOX 11’s Sky Fox cameras and read, “Goodbye Hollywood. Thank you for 55 years.” According to local reports, the restaurant near Bronson Street closed on Saturday.
Since the franchise opened in January 1969, it has had one owner: 91-year-old Marilyn Leviton.
“The truth is, I think the pandemic destroyed us. I think we would have been closed during the pandemic. [if it weren’t] for a federal loan,” she said. He told KTLA. “I am very sorry that this has happened.”
California’s $20 minimum wage leads to higher prices and less traffic at fast-food restaurants, study finds
“Goodbye Hollywood. Thank you for 55 years,” reads the Arby’s sign on Sunset Boulevard, featuring the restaurant’s iconic cowboy hat, which closed over the weekend. (FOX 11 Los Angeles SkyFOX)
Her son-in-law, Gary Hash, was the general manager of the location. Los Angeles Times The decision to close was prompted by the pandemic, declining customer traffic, rising food prices and an increase in the minimum wage in California.
“Inflation has caused the cost of groceries to rise significantly, and the $20 an hour minimum wage is a drag,” he said, adding that the news was given to workers who reported to work on Friday.
Rising prices put thousands out of work, California minimum wage hike has businesses “fed up”
The restaurant, located on Sunset Boulevard near Bronson Street, has had one owner since it opened, kTLA reported. (FOX 11 Los Angeles SkyFOX)
Arby’s did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
Recent Research Released by Placer.ai The new law, which took effect on April 1, affects restaurants with more than 60 locations. Most fast-food chains have increased their menu prices in the state by a percentage range from the mid-single digits to the mid-teens, and the price hikes have hurt business.
Fox 11 Los Angeles California has seen a number of restaurant closures recently, with Rubio’s Coastal Grill reporting that it has closed 48 locations across the state.
Arby’s is known for its roast beef sandwiches and is now owned by Inspire Brands LLC. (FOX 11 Los Angeles SkyFOX)
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Arby’s, a subsidiary of Inspire Brands, is known for its roast beef sandwiches and is “the largest sandwich drive-thru chain in the United States” with more than 3,600 locations in nine countries, according to a fact sheet from the global multi-brand restaurant company.
FOX Business’ Breck Dumas contributed to this report.
