After more than a dozen years serving pastrami to South Beach night owls, tourists, and locals alike, Jerry's Famous Deli has closed. The restaurant shuttered its doors last weekend.
See also: 100 Favorite Dishes: Matzo Ball Soup at Jerry's Deli
Ike Starkman and Jerry Seidman opened the first Jerry's Famous Deli in 1978 in Studio City, California. It made a reputation for itself by serving authentic New York deli offerings. The restaurant caught on like wildfire, capitalizing on its location near a host of television and film studios with many New York transplants seeking a taste of home.
The South Beach location of Jerry's Famous Deli opened in the early 2000s. The Starkman family, with son Jason at the helm, also owns the three Miami-Dade Epicure Gourmet Markets. The deli was named Best Late-Night dining in 2003 by New Times. The South Beach location, much like the California delis, capitalized on the fact that many New Yorkers, both here on vacation and on a more permanent basis, would miss the "mile-high" corned beef, pastrami, and brisket sandwiches made famous by Manhattan institutions like Katz's and Carnegie Deli.
Jason Starkman issued the following statement about the restaurant's closure:
"After 14 successful years on South Beach, Jerry's Famous Deli has decided to close our doors. Our initial lease was up and there was interest from another company who wanted the space. Thank you to all of our customers, staff and friends who have made the last 14 years so amazing. Jerry's Famous Deli continues in California, so please visit us there."
It's rumored that Señor Frog's might take over the giant 11,000-square-foot space.
We'll miss the ability to get matzo ball soup and a good slice of cheesecake in South Beach 24/7.
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