[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]f you’ve ever driven down West Adams, it’s hard to miss the giant neon sign proclaiming “BURGERS, PASTRAMI, DOGS” atop the walk-up stand formally known as Johnny’s Pastrami. Since it’s closing in 2015, the Black-owned business has been under-construction leaving some fans confused as to whether or not they would return. According to the restaurant’s Instagram, there was a “minor fire” that prompted changes to the building.
In November 2019, an Instagram account under the user @johnnyswestadams posted a photo of the infamous neon sign, lights aglow, with the caption “Opening soon! #westadams #eaterla #westadamsblvd.” This seemingly offered more confusion.
Although the location was the same and the name was essentially identical—Johnny’s versus Johnny’s Pastrami—the establishment was under completely new ownership. Eater initially reported a story on the rumor of the space being redeveloped by Venice’s Gjelina group in September of last year. However, they later confirmed that the space was actually occupied by Chef Danny Elmaleh, who opened an Israeli restaurant nearby earlier in 2019. Now instead of a tarp-covered fence, the newly renovated space offers outdoor patio seating, new menu items, and cocktails for visiting customers.
In an Instagram DM with the restaurant, the admin said that Johnny’s officially opened in July but there was a soft opening in June “to test and train staff, make adjustments given current conditions, etc.”