Well crap - NYC's Stage Deli closes after 75 years

One of the classic old-school delicatessens - from the New York Times:

Say Goodbye to the Stage Deli, a Midtown Staple Since 1937
At midnight on Thursday, the Stage Deli, a landmark New York institution that got its start 75 years ago, closed its doors.

�It�s a sad day for New York,� said Paul Zolenge, who has owned the deli, on Seventh Avenue near 54th Street, with Steve Auerbach for 26 years. �We�ve been struggling to make it through these hard times.�

Mr. Zolenge cited the cost of doing business in New York. The landlord erected scaffolding in front of the restaurant a year ago, he said, and even though it came down in September, �we lost a whole year.� The rent had gone up several times in recent years, Mr. Zolenge said, and with the lease ending in a few months, he and Mr. Auerbach were expecting another increase. �We just couldn�t afford to keep it going any more,� he said.

The deli, known for its overstuffed sandwiches named for celebrities, usually in show business, was started by Max Asnas in 1937. Mr. Asnas sold it to Jimmy Richter, and Mr. Zolenge became involved through family connections. �My father-in-law, who has been a silent partner, bought it in 1978, and after a few years, I took it over,� he said.

I've eaten there a couple times -- lived in Boston back in the 1970's and 80's and would go to NYC for 'culture' every year or so. The article mentioned that a couple other old-school restaurants are closing. A sad testament to today's economy. Their website is still up and running: Stage Deli