Local deli closes its doors

Iggy’s Deli closed during winter break, becoming the second business in its complex to shut down in the last few months.

Gary Ignat, owner of Iggy’s Deli, 623 E. Grand River Ave., said the business hasn’t made a profit in the last three years, prompting him to close Jan. 1.

Ignat said his site’s poor location contributed to the restaurant’s closing.

“When dealing with places in East Lansing, it’s what place is closest and most convenient,” Ignat said.

Iggy’s Deli’s closing now leaves three empty retail spaces in the former restaurant’s complex.

Neal Wagner, manager of Campus Cartridge, which closed in November 2007, said the business lost valuable parking due to construction in the area.

Wagner said Campus Cartridge will continue to run its online operation.

East Lansing parking administrator Dan O’Connor said he has heard no complaints from businesses about parking in the area.

David Krause, a partner with Cron Management, the company that owns the complex, said the closings are part of normal turnover.

The space located two storefronts west of Iggy’s Deli is being converted into a model living space for Albert Place Condominiums, located on the corner of Bailey Street and Albert Avenue, Krause said.

The model space is expected to open in early February.

No offers have been made on the other empty spaces.

“It’s a difficult market right now. We just haven’t gotten any tenants,” Krause said.

Bob Amidon, owner of Campus Barbers, 621 E. Grand River Ave., which was located next to Iggy’s Deli, said the local competition is steep for area restaurants.

“He was a great guy,” Amidon said of Ignat. “A lot of chains come in and that’s what hurts (local restaurants).”

Staff writer Craig Trudell contributed to this report.