After threatening to close the iconic Langer's Deli if city officials don't clean up the area around his restaurant, owner Norm Langer says he is backing off his one-week ultimatum - for now.
He told KNX News' Karen Adams that conversations with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and city Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez's office have been productive, but he needs to see action.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
In his view, action means removing the vendors that clog the sidewalks around his restaurant and cleaning up the trash and drug use, including at nearby MacArthur Park.
"I need my customers to feel safe," Langer said.
Despite never having a customer attacked in his 77 years of operations, he says, "With the media reporting things the way they do, it puts a fear factor out there."
Satisfied with assurances made, the threat of closing the deli in a week is now off the table. However, if Lagner doesn't see changes occurring within the week, "I will lock the door."
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok