Broadway Deli is history *

We knew the day was coming, but it still marks the end of an era on the Third Street Promenade. The Broadway Deli, opened in 1990 by Bruce Marder and Marvin Zeidler, closed Monday after the landlord said the restaurant had to be out by Nov. 30. The rent was tripled after the last lease expired, and it was too much for the eatery to afford. "It's just sad that the landlord would put 65 employees out on the streets in the month of December," said general manager Marc Zeidler. The Broadway Deli had many fans and detractors, especially in recent years as prices went up and more options opened in the area. Santa Monica city officials tried to get the landlord to work out a deal that would let the deli remain, but in the end agreed to let the space be converted to retail with a smaller restaurant facing Broadway. The landlord has not yet announced what is going in. Santa Monica Daily Press, Surf Santa Monica, Chowhound

It's the little things: The Broadway Deli women's room was the first women's room my little girl negotiated solo. I wonder if they ever got that stall unlocked? She slid under the door to get out.

* Movie note: Author Colin Dickey tweets that the Broadway Deli is where Robert DeNiro meets his lady friend in "Heat."