For Hollywood residents, the Arby’s on Sunset meant more than a quick roast beef sandwich. The iconic cowboy hat signage was as important to locals as the restaurant itself. After 55 years, the retro neon display has turned off its lights for the last time.
Neighborhood dwellers and tourists alike would recognize the oversized cowboy hat from countless films and late-night drives down Sunset Boulevard. For many, the sign was more than just a marker of fast food — it was a symbol of the community’s character and history. Its disappearance marks the end of an era, evoking nostalgia for a bygone Hollywood.
Sunset Boulevard is one of the most trafficked streets in Los Angeles, stretching from central LA all the way to the coast. The lengthy thoroughfare has always been full of vibrant signage and popular fast-casual rest stops. Also a hub for lively nightlife, these low-cost, round-the-clock dining spots have been integral to maintaining the dynamic energy of Sunset.
Fast food chains have been closing in troves due to rising costs. While most have opted to raise their prices to offset new expenses, the price increase has also turned some customers away. Marilyn Leviton, the 91-year-old owner of Arby’s, cites the pandemic as the primary force that led to the closure of Arby’s on Sunset. Another factor, she suggests, is the recent minimum wage increase for food workers from $16 to $20 an hour. Arby’s appliances also had to be upgraded to suit new equipment regulations.
Having owned the Hollywood location since 1969, Leviton feels they had an impressive 55-year run. However, she feels it is a shame that they’ve finally had to shut their doors for good. As its last message to forlorn Angelenos, Arby’s sign reads: “FAREWELL HOLLYWOOD TY FOR 55 GREAT YEARS”
