With no prior announcement, Valley deli chain Chompies unexpectedly will close its 25-year-old Tempe location next to the Arizona State University campus today.
What’s happening: Multiple sources confirm employees were told Sunday that the restaurant and deli would close at the end of business today.
- Employees were told a rent increase by a new landlord was the reason behind the decision to close.
- Update: Chompies sent out a press release late Monday confirming the closure.
The history: New York transplants Lou and Lovey Borenstein opened the first Chompies near Shea and 32nd Street in Phoenix in 1979.
- The Tempe location was featured on a 2010 episode of the Travel Channel’s ‘‘Man V. Food.’’ Host Adam Richman failed its Ultimate Slider Challenge.
- With the Tempe closure, the family-run chain has four remaining locations – in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Glendale.
