‘Letterman’s’ beloved Hello Deli bids farewell, says owner Rupert Jee
nypost.comWest 53rd Street sandwich shop made famous by the “Late Show with David Letterman,” is closing its doors after 31 years.“It has been a heck of an adventure,” owner Rupert Jee — who appeared on the show over 400 times — told The Post on Thursday.“The office workers were extremely loyal, the ‘Late Show’ fans were amazing.
We got the best of both worlds.”Jee, 66, and his business partner May Chin, announced the news on social media on March 18 and are waiting to find the right buyer.
There is no asking price, but the pair is accepting offers.“We’re going to pick and choose. I want someone who really has an appreciation for that area and sees that potential,” he saidLetterman moved his show into the Ed Sullivan Theater, which is located in the same building as the deli, in 1993, two years after Jee purchased the store, for less than $50,000.The next month, Letterman featured the deli on its “Let’s Meet the Neighbors” segment.“I told the writers, ‘Please don’t come in.
I’m deathly afraid of being on television,'” Jee recalled.That same night, Letterman invited him on the show, where Jee received a standing ovation.
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