Downtown Sacramento deli Pennisi's closes after more than 70 years

A deli that called a prominent downtown Sacramento corner home for more than seven decades is now closed for good.

Pennisi's Deli first opened in 1952 when brothers Leo and Vince Pennisi founded the old-fashioned sandwich stop. In 1977, the Pennisi brothers sold the deli to Bill and Lynn Morris (now Hall), who grew the local sandwich shop into a renowned marketplace that served a steady stream of both local customers and visitors.

In 1984, the deli relocated across J Street to allow for the construction of the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, according to a Facebook post by Hall.

Over the decades, Pennisi's Deli has remained a lunchtime staple for downtown residents, legislators, hotel patrons and tourists.

As of Monday, the longtime eatery appeared cleared out and dark.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership told CBS News Sacramento that it confirmed the owner of Pennisi has retired, and that is what led to the closure. The loss has not gone unnoticed by the deli's neighbors.

"I wish there was somebody that would have taken it over and continued it," said Jeroen Gerrese, general manager of the Sheraton Grand hotel across the street. "They've built up quite a reputation over those 74 years."

The closure comes the same week a return-to-office mandate takes effect for many state workers, requiring them to be in the office four days a week.

"Being in downtown has not been the easiest over the last couple of years," Gerrese said.

CBS News Sacramento has not yet been able to reach Pennisi's owners for comment on the closure.