Draft:Hello Deli
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Hello Deli (New York City)
[edit]Hello Deli is a delicatessen located at 213 W 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The Deli was owned and operated by Rupert Jee and May Chin, the deli gained widespread fame through Jee’s frequent appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, which filmed in the adjacent Ed Sullivan Theater.
History
[edit]Rupert Jee purchased Hello Deli in 1992 with business partner May Chin. The deli’s fortunes changed dramatically when the Late Show with David Letterman began broadcasting from across the street in 1993. Jee was introduced to audiences via the show’s “Meet the Neighbors” segment and became a recurring on-air personality known for his deadpan comedic timing in sketches like “Fun with Rupert.”[1]
Over more than two decades, Jee made more than 400 appearances on the show, becoming a cult fan favorite. Following Letterman's retirement in 2015, Jee expressed bittersweet feelings, describing it as “sickly sad” to see Dave go.[2][3]
On January 31, 2022, the City of New York officially proclaimed “Hello Deli Day” to commemorate the deli’s 30 years of business and cultural significance.[4]
Menu and Cultural Significance
[edit]The deli's menu featured more than 50 sandwiches, many named after Late Show staff, including the “Letterman,” “Shaffer,” and “Biff.” Merchandise such as Hello Deli-branded T-shirts, mugs, and energy drinks were also sold. The deli became a tourist destination, attracting fans of the show eager to meet Jee and experience a slice of late-night television history firsthand.[5]
Closure and Legacy
[edit]On March 18, 2023, Jee and Chin announced their desire to retire and sell.[6]
Following the 2023 announcement, the deli officially closed its doors later that year. Jee expressed gratitude for his customers and the unique opportunity to be part of the show’s fabric. Although Hello Deli is gone, its legacy as a pop culture institution endures.[7]
In 2025, Hello Deli reopened under entirely new ownership and management, maintaining its iconic name.
References
[edit]- ^ "Letterman's beloved Hello Deli bids farewell". New York Post. April 8, 2023.
- ^ "Hello Deli owner and Letterman neighbor Rupert Jee is 'sickly sad' to see Dave go". Salon. May 15, 2015.
- ^ "David Letterman gets a goodbye from Hello Deli owner". CBC News. May 19, 2015.
- ^ "Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Celebrates Hello Deli's 30th Anniversary". NYC.gov. January 31, 2022.
- ^ "Letterman's beloved Hello Deli bids farewell". New York Post. April 8, 2023.
- ^ Haring, Bruce (2023-04-08). "'Hello Deli' Owner, Made Famous By 'Late Show With David Letterman,' Is Retiring And Seeking A Buyer". Retrieved 2023-05-08.
- ^ "Hello Deli, Made Famous by David Letterman, Is Closing Shop". The Daily Beast. April 8, 2023.
External links
[edit]
Category:Defunct restaurants in Manhattan
Category:Delicatessens in New York City
Category:Rupert Jee
Category:Late Show with David Letterman
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