Boyle Heights

Alan Canter, Owner of LA Landmark Canter's Deli, Dies at 82

The first Canter's Deli was opened in Boyle Heights in 1931

Alan Canter, the owner of Los Angeles' famous Canter's Deli, has died at the age of 82, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page.

"Our beloved owner, Alan Canter, has passed away at age 82,'' read the announcement, which was posted Friday.

"He kept his family legacy alive and built an LA landmark. He worked 18 hour shifts and took pride in hand-cutting each fruit cup. He taught his children how to run this business just as his father taught him. We are deeply saddened by this loss."

A memorial was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Monday at Mount Sinai Memorial Parks.

The 24-hour deli at 419 N. Fairfax Ave. has long been a popular hangout for famous figures in show business, sports and politics.

Alan Canter's father, Ben Canter, opened the first Canter's in Boyle Heights in 1931 with some of his brothers. The restaurant was moved to the Fairfax district in the 1950s, with help from Ben Canter's daughter Selma Udko and her then-husband, Harold Price.

Gary Canter, Alan's son, who was also heavily involved in the family business, died in December 2017 of a heart attack at the age of 58.

Copyright City News Service
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