One of Hillcrest’s longest standing icons, the City Deli, will soon make way for another icon as the nation’s first Harvey Milk American Diner debuts in San Diego.
Owners Tom Brown, Michael Phillips (Big Mike) and Frank Lechner secured an exclusive license for the use of the name from Stuart Milk and the Harvey Milk Foundation and plan to transition the diner during the summer months. Remodeling is slated for early fall 2013.
According to Lechner, he and his partners and their group of investors have been working on this project for nearly three years. “When City Deli became available, we were all excited about this site which is located at the gateway to Hillcrest,” said Lechner.
“Harvey Milk’s American Diner will be a place where everyone is welcome. There will be great food, drinks and a fun and relaxed atmosphere,” continued Lechner who also stated that the bakery would continue with the addition of specialty wedding cakes.
Alan Bilmes and Michael Wright have owned City Deli for three decades and are ready to move on.
Commenting on the new restaurant, City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez, a national board director of the Harvey Milk Foundation said, “The owners of the Harvey Milk American Diner are well known for their philanthropy and giving back to the community. The Harvey Milk Foundation looks forward to our relationship with this new exciting restaurant that will benefit our work nationally and globally.”
Harvey must be turning in his grave at the thought of being milked by these opportunists who did nothing to promote his legacy prior to Sean Penn commercializing his name
I’m sad that Alan and Michael are gone – but they deserve a rest – and they shall be missed. Hopefully, they are both well and will be seen around.
Hugs to you both! You’d recognize me if you saw me. 😉
I wish the new place success and hope they live up to the good food served by City Deli — and to the memory of Harvey Milk.
If they lack in either, their run will be short.
Most of the clientel will know!