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Iconic Los Angeles eatery Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant faces potential closure after more than seven decades, as owner Norm Langer grapples with escalating crime and homelessness in the MacArthur Park area.
Langer cited safety concerns as the primary reason for considering shutting down the establishment. "It's not safe," Langer said. "It's too many needles. Too much fentanyl. Too many drugs." His comments highlight the growing challenges businesses face in areas grappling with urban decay and social issues.
Various issues, including violence and sanitation problems, have plagued the restaurant's vicinity. Langer described scenes of public indecency and drug use occurring near the eatery. "People walking around here taking their clothes off, walking around naked. You know it's nuts. I don't want to spoil anybody's appetite, but you've got a problem with defecation on sidewalks, for somebody was strung out on drugs. There's something. They're trying to make a score on fentanyl. They're passed out on the sidewalk, and the city is lame and doing something about it," Langar said.
If Langer's shuts down, it'll be the end of a 76-year run. Norm's dad, Al, opened the place back in 1947. Now, it's an L.A. staple. For years, everyone from movie stars to regular Joes have enjoyed the food at Langer's. It's part of L.A.'s food scene.
Langer wants better street lights, regular garbage pickup, and street vendors gone. He's at his wit's end, wondering why he's still fighting this uphill battle. He's just asking for the basics to keep his place safe and clean for folks. "Why am I pushing this cart uphill?" he said.
FOX 11 tried to get Councilwoman Hernandez's take but was unavailable for comment when the news went to print.
Recent incidents in the area have further exacerbated concerns. Langer mentioned a homicide investigation from a couple of months ago, where a homeless individual reportedly dragged a dead body into the lake at MacArthur Park.
The deli's possible demise shows how L.A. is struggling with crime and homelessness and keeping longtime businesses afloat.
