Legendary LA Deli Faces Uncertain Future Amid Soaring Electric Bills

Canter’s Deli, a nearly 100-year-old Jewish deli institution in Los Angeles, is sounding the alarm over a dramatic increase in its electricity bill, which has soared to over $34,000, a nearly $10,000 jump in just four months. Marc Canter, a third-generation co-owner, stated that the escalating costs are forcing the restaurant to implement cutbacks, including to its air conditioning, a difficult decision during persistent heat waves in Southern California.

If these costs continue to rise, Canter indicated that the business might have to reduce its staff, jeopardizing the jobs of long-term employees. He hopes that by speaking out, he can draw attention to the broader issue faced by small businesses across the region struggling with rising utility rates. “The question is, how much are they losing and how long can they sustain that loss?” Canter told CBS LA.

The news has resonated with other Southern Californians who are also experiencing significant increases in their utility bills. Online discussions reflect widespread concern, with some residents reporting their electricity bills have doubled or quadrupled.

This situation follows a widely publicized case of a San Fernando Valley resident who received a $3,300 power bill, prompting an investigation by city officials. LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia stated, “It doesn’t sit right with me; it doesn’t sit right with a lot of folks.”

California's electricity prices are among the highest in the nation, with average prices in 2025 reported as 103% higher than the national average. Canter's Deli is a notable establishment on the Fairfax corridor, an area that has seen a rise in vacancies.

Canter's sister, Jacqueline Canter, who also co-owns the restaurant, previously discussed the issue of high rents contributing to vacancies on Fairfax Avenue. She noted that while her grandfather was able to purchase the property, she would like to see other property owners reduce rents to help businesses thrive and eliminate vacancies on the street. "I've seen places that have been vacant for like 30 years. I’m thinking this doesn’t make any sense to me, business-wise, to keep a property vacant for 30 years,” she told the California Post.