H.wood Group takes over Jerry’s Famous Deli to open new restaurant

A new marketplace restaurant will rise in the location that was formerly Jerry’s Famous Deli on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood, which closed last year after nearly two decades in business.

H.wood Group partners John Terzian and Brian Toll of the Nice Guy, Bootsy Bellows, Shorebar and Hooray Henry’s (located next door to Jerry’s, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) have taken over the lease and will open the still-unnamed restaurant. It’s the first project between H.wood Group and Las Vegas-based Hakkasan Group, which recently bought a majority share of H.wood.

“It’s a pretty exciting dream place for me,� Terzian said. “I grew up going to Jerry’s Deli, it’s sort of a landmark.�

He described the new project as a version of Eataly, offering both a sit-down and take-out experiences. “There will be a very strong ‘to-go’ aspect where you actually view the people carving the meat, pressing the sandwiches,� Terzian said, “and you’re immersed in the smells and sights of the chopping and the slicing and the coffee -- a very community-friendly place for the hospital and for the homes around here.�

“But I think the separating factor is the way we brand and design places, so people from all around will want to come not just the locals.�

The 6,000-square-foot restaurant is scheduled to open next summer, with chef John Carlos Kuramoto (who helms the Nice Guy) spearheading the menu, described thus far as farm-to-table, “essentially American� and “healthy but interesting.�

As for the design, expect an “East Coast preppy feel, kind of like a Ralph Lauren ad -- but not in a gimmicky way -- that will appeal to a lot of people.�

The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a “strong focus on daytime� and an “amazing� espresso bar. There will be cocktails too.

“It’s really supposed to add something that’s missing in that area,� Terzian said. “It’s kind of filling a big niche.�

8701 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.