The once bustling scene of Hollywood fast food has experienced a loss as the Arby’s on Sunset Boulevard has permanently closed its doors. Known for its massive neon cowboy hat sign, this Arby's location has been a fixture since 1969, but on Saturday, it served its last sandwich and bid adieu to its loyal customers. As noted by KTLA, the windows were covered with plywood, bearing the message "Farewell Hollywood. TY for 55 great years," marking the end of an era.

Owned by Marilyn Leviton, 91, the Arby’s franchise struggled in recent years, and the owner cited multiple factors contributing to its closure, in an interview with KTLA 5 News, Leviton expressed "Truth is, I think it was the pandemic that did us in. I really feel we would have closed during the pandemic [if it weren’t] for the federal loans." It wasn't just the pandemic; however, as Leviton also mentioned, the increased minimum wage in California, which has risen to $20 an hour for fast food workers, and costly mandatory equipment upgrades dictated by Arby’s corporate mandates substantially added, to the financial challenges.

The closure of Arby's Hollywood is just the latest in a series of shutdowns hitting fast food establishments in Southern California, outlining a trend that has seen businesses like Rubio’s Coastal Grill close multiple locations. The local community and visitors who once flocked to the iconic spot have taken to social media to share their memories, with one Reddit user noting the closure and the thank you marquee sign. According to Eater, the Arby’s company has scrubbed the Hollywood location from its website, signaling the definitive end of this chapter in LA’s fast food scene.