The now-vacant iconic Arby's on Sunset Boulevard in 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 pizza shop with locations in Southern California and Nevada and in Toronto and Miami, announced it will open its first pop-up drive-thru in the former Arby's location on August 8.
The pizzeria will serve its signature Sicilian-style square pies by the slice, as well as debuting the brand's new mozzarella sticks, daily from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
“We are excited to experiment with the idea of a slice-and-drink drive-thru,” said Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince Street Pizza. “We are very honored to be able to lease the historic former 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 be as respectful of that as possible.”
Arby's illuminated sign shaped like a 10-gallon hat has stood over Sunset Boulevard since 1969. Since its opening, the Hollywood branch of the national chain known for its steak and cheddar sandwiches has had one owner, Marilyn Leviton.
Gary Husch, the location’s former general manager and Leviton’s son-in-law, cited the lasting effects of the pandemic, changing neighborhood demographics, rising food costs and an increase in the state’s minimum wage as reasons behind the closure.
“We were deeply saddened to see Arby’s leave after nearly 55 years of serving the Hollywood community,” the former owners said in a statement. “However, we are beyond excited to welcome our new operator, Lawrence Longo, and New York’s Prince Street Pizza to this iconic location. … Longo and the Prince Street Pizza team have respected the history of the drive-thru at Sunset and Bronson, while breathing new life into the corner.”
The Prince Street Pizza pop-up restaurant will remain open at least through Halloween.
