HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – In a surprising turn of events, the iconic Arby’s at 5920 Sunset Boulevard, a Hollywood staple for 55 years, closed its doors when the lease was not renewed. This unexpected closure left many locals wondering about the fate of the beloved fast-food spot and its famous ten-gallon hat sign.
On July 11, Prince Street Pizza announced an exciting temporary venture: a pizza pop-up at the former Arby’s location. Starting August 8, the space will transform into a unique drive-thru offering an array of pizza slices until October 31.
The decision to launch this pop-up comes from Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince Street Pizza. Longo’s vision is to maintain the site as a culinary destination, at least temporarily. “We wanted to keep the location as a culinary destination,” Longo said. This initiative will introduce a “first of its kind” slice-oriented drive-thru, a concept that Longo believes will appeal to both pizza enthusiasts and those nostalgic for the Arby’s site.
The drive-thru will operate from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., catering to late-night cravings and offering convenience for night owls. The limited menu will feature some of Prince Street Pizza’s popular items, including The Naughty Pie, Spicy Spring, and their recently introduced mozzarella sticks.
A significant concern for many is the fate of the iconic Arby’s sign. Known for its large, neon ten-gallon hat proclaiming “Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich Is Delicious,” the sign is a beloved landmark. Longo has decided to honor this piece of Hollywood history by keeping the sign in its original state, complete with the Arby’s Roast Beef branding, throughout the duration of the pop-up.
The closure of the Arby’s and the subsequent announcement of the pop-up has sparked a mix of emotions in the community. While some mourn the loss of a longstanding establishment, others are excited about the new culinary experience coming to the neighborhood.
While the Prince Street Pizza pop-up is a temporary solution, it highlights a growing trend in utilizing iconic spaces for innovative food ventures. The success of this initiative could influence future projects and set a precedent for other temporary culinary pop-ups in historic locations.
Prince Street Pizza’s pop-up at the former Arby’s site on Sunset Boulevard promises to be an intriguing addition to Hollywood’s culinary landscape. Running from August 8 to October 31, the drive-thru will offer a unique blend of nostalgia and new flavors. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Arby’s location or a pizza lover looking for your next slice, this pop-up is set to provide a memorable dining experience while preserving a piece of Hollywood history.