One of Hollywood’s most iconic fast food landmarks has closed its doors for good. The Arby’s Roast Beef restaurant at 5920 Sunset Blvd. shut down after 55 years of serving customers. The familiar neon sign that lit up the Hollywood night has been turned off permanently.
Marilyn Leviton, the sole owner of the Arby’s since it opened on Jan. 5, 1969, made the difficult decision to close the beloved establishment. At 91 years old, she expressed her sadness at having to shut down after more than five decades of operation. Leviton cited various reasons for the closure, including financial struggles that were exacerbated by the challenges of the pandemic.
In an interview with KTLA 5 News, Leviton mentioned that she had been facing difficulties in keeping the business afloat for a while. She believed that without the federal loans received during the pandemic, the restaurant would have closed even earlier. Factors such as the increased minimum wage for fast food workers in California and mandatory equipment upgrades from Arby’s corporate headquarters also contributed to the decision to close.
The impact of California’s new minimum wage law has been felt across the restaurant industry, with many businesses struggling to adapt to the higher labor costs. Critics argue that the law is detrimental to both businesses and customers, leading to price hikes on menus and, in some cases, layoffs of employees. The recent closures of other well-known eateries in the state, like Rubio’s Coastal Grill, further highlight the challenges faced by the food service industry in California.
As the Arby’s on Sunset Blvd. says goodbye to its loyal customers, it marks the end of an era in Hollywood. The closure of this longstanding establishment serves as a reminder of the changing landscape of the city’s dining scene and the difficulties that small businesses continue to face. While the neon lights of the iconic sign may have gone dark, the memories of 55 years of service will live on in the hearts of those who enjoyed a roast beef sandwich under its glow.
