The sandwich shop best known for its owner’s frequent appearances on the “Late Show with David Letterman” is preparing to close.
The New York Post is reporting that the owner of “Hello Deli” is heading for retirement after 31 years. One of them, Rupert Gee, appeared on the Letterman show over 400 times.
“It’s been an adventure,” Gee told The Post on Thursday. “The office staff was extremely loyal, the ‘Late Show’ fans were amazing. We got the best of both worlds.
G and partner want to sell china deli. He announced his departure in March with a simple statement on Instagram: “Hello Daly: Retiring.” Ji is 66 years old. No age of Chin has been given. The business is still in operation while it searches for a buyer.
There is no asking price listed for the business.
“We’re going to pick and choose. I want someone who really appreciates that area and sees that potential,” Gee said
The business is located in the same building as the Ed Sullivan Theater, where Letterman debuted his show in 1993. The following month, he aired a segment called “Let’s Meet the Neighbors” and visited the adjacent deli. Ji appeared on the TV show for the first time that night.
Gee showed a natural flair for comedy, and after a year of cameos, began appearing in the elaborate street sketches he loved on Letterman’s show, prompting Gee to perform outrageous acts with New Yorkers. .
That eventually evolved into its own segment, “Fun with Rupert.”
“Dave always joked that whenever he didn’t have an idea, he’d come to the deli,” Gee said.
Letterman’s show ended in 2015. It is remembered for a special sandwich, The Letterman: at the deli with ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sweet pepper and oil and vinegar, which Letterman ordered on whole wheat after some initial reluctance.