The iconic, now-vacant Arby’s space in Sunset Hollywood will soon be home to a New York-based pizzeria, and the neon-lit cowboy hat sign will remain in its original state.
On Thursday, Prince Street Pizza, a slice shop with locations throughout Southern California and Nevada and in Toronto and Miami, announced it will open its first pop-up shop in a former Arby’s location on August 8.
The pizzeria serves Sicilian-style square pies by the slice daily from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., in addition to introducing new mozzarella sticks.
“We are excited to experiment with the idea of a drive-thru pizza service,” said Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince Street Pizza. “We are very proud to be able to lease the historic Arby’s space in Hollywood. We understand what this location has meant to the Hollywood community over the past five decades and we want to honor it as much as we can.”
The illuminated Arby’s sign with a 10-gallon hat has been on Sunshine Boulevard since 1969. Since its opening, the Hollywood branch of the national chain known for its steak and cheddar sandwiches has been the sole owner of Marilyn Leviton.
Gary Hush, the location’s former general manager and Leviton’s son-in-law, cited the lingering effects of the pandemic, changing neighborhood demographics, rising food costs and an increase in the state minimum wage as reasons for the closure.
“We are deeply saddened to see Arby’s depart after nearly 55 years of serving the Hollywood community,” the former owners said in a statement. “However, we are excited to welcome new operator Lawrence Longo and Prince Street Pizza New York to this iconic location. … Longo and the Prince Street Pizza team have paid homage to the history of Sunset Drive and Bronson while breathing new life into the corner.”
The Prince Street Pizza pop-up will be open through at least Halloween.
