Katz’s Delicatessen, the Lower East Side classic that made a famous film moment on “When Harry Met Sally…”, was buzzing with its usual lunchtime crowd on Monday. Long lines slithered outside as diners waited to snag a seat at the place where Meg Ryan’s character once loudly pretended to climax right on a table.
After director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were discovered stabbed to death at their Brentwood, Los Angeles home, the deli’s atmosphere shifted. While the same crowd lingered, patrons and staff noticed an unmistakable change in the air.
Owner Jake Dell (39), who runs the fifth‑generation deli founded in 1888, told the New York Post that they felt the loss deeply. “We’re all sad. It’s very sad. He’s a big part of the story of Katz,” he said. “It hit all of us.”
Dell shared that Reiners used to order from the deli and send the food back to California. “This morning I saw men working here coming together, holding up phones to show pictures of him, telling stories.” He added that Reiner probably had no idea he was making a historic movie moment at the spot, yet the restaurant will always be tied to him forever.
The famous scene, in which Sally fakes an orgasm amid a banter about Harry’s supposed romantic escapades, drew the whole restaurant’s attention. The climax arrives when Estelle Reiner – Rob’s mother – says to a waitress, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Jake said he last saw Reiner during a visit in February, when the deli was quieter than usual. “He pointed out how empty it was and told me, ‘This is bulls‑t! Get some f‑king people in here!’ and we all laughed. He was naturally funny.”
Pamela Blake Riley (55), visiting from Memphis with her family, noticed the slightly gloomier vibe compared to other tourist spots. “I think it’s more somber because of the disheartening situation,” she shared. “We were shocked to hear about him and his wife. The son must have been mentally ill or on drugs or something that broke inside him to do something like that.”
Tourist Josh Belson (56) from Los Angeles wanted to give the beloved director a big hug. “He really made this place famous. He touched so many people and made so many lives better with his humor. I’ve been wanting to come here ever since I saw ‘When Harry Met Sally.’”
Christopher Barca (59) from Pittsburgh recalled on a family visit that his father‑in‑law called him Meathead because he would clean the deli’s fridge. “It was a sad day to visit the iconic restaurant.”
All three stories converge on one sentiment: Katz’s has become a small memorial for a filmmaker who once made a memorable moment in a simple deli‑stool. While the staff keeps the lights on, the deli’s buzz now carries a quiet tone of remembrance.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
