Developing: Katz's Closes? Deli Being Evicted From West 6th

The Austin Business Journal broke the news this afternoon that Katz's, the longtime New York-style deli in the West 6th district, is being evicted due to non-payment of rent and filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday. Deli owner Marc Katz originally owned the building where the deli is based, but sold it in 2006 and leased back the space from the current owners. The building sale was part of a previous bankruptcy filing from 2004.

The Business Journal also mentions that the business is in arrears on payments to both employees and vendors. Despite all of these debts, the article says that "Katz...is looking at several new locations, but did not disclose what parts of town they are in, although he hinted at leaving downtown." Katz last made headlines in late 2009 during a failed bid to run for Texas Lt. Governor.

As Austin's culinary options grow and one's options for sandwiches have multiplied exponentially, is there still any room for Katz's old-school, Carnegie Deli-style approach in Austin's current food scene? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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By Tom Thornton in Food on July 22, 2010 3:47 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

Pickleville.net

Loved the plates of pickles

Hated the potato pancakes

Loved the fact that they supported the music scene by PAYING the musicians - now that's rare in Austin

Liked the Overstuffed sandwiches that would cost about $20 just about anywhere else (You know, you can share)

camacho

That's what he gets for charging $10 for basically a home-made sandwich with way too much deli meat. Take Fricano's for instance, expensive sandwiches...amazing ingredients and taste and even better staff help.

And now this opens the door for a "hip" bar for all the W-6th tools and lames to throw their pop's money at.

Steven

Most of the comments seem to be coming from haters but I have to say, Katz' has always had decent food for a decent price. Marc probably should have explored other options as opposed to selling his building downtown, once he did that, Katz' had no parking for its customers and getting towed where it was once okay to park, leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I do enjoy his food, hopefully he can rebound.

Julie

I ate their maybe three times in the last 15 years. Was underwhelmed every time. To me, this just isn't that sad.

ColSanders

Sell me that Caddy and I will paint it ANYTHING but yellow

Kevin

Horribly run business, serving bad food at high prices. This should have happened years ago. The food quality has been abysmal with service to match. Marc Katz will no longer get free advertising for his business drumming up controversy and pretending to run for public office. Too bad. PAY YOUR EMPLOYEES before you lock the doors and run.

poryorick

Not that Katz's ever approached even mediocre NY deli fare, but it became of almost inedible quality about 5 years back, and no change of venue is going to help that.

ColSanders

Glad to see them go...they have roaches.

Is that what is in an authentic NY Deli?

TRAVIS COUNTY scores:::

Katz's Deli & Bar 618 W 6TH ST 02/03/2010 73

06/05/2009 79

03/09/2009 89

02/24/2009 64

08/21/2008 74

02/08/2008 70