And then there was only the Carnegie Deli

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NEW YORK --

The Stage's pastrami sandwich.

Don't you just hate it when an iconic business closes up shop -- especially one that involved food and its accompanying memories?

I do, so it is with sadness I pass along the word that the famous Stage Deli in Manhattan has closed after three-quarters of a century.

Friday was the final day for the midtown spot, located on Seventh Avenue between 54th and 55th streets. As is so often the case with small-business closings, employees were not told of the decision until the last day of operation.

Jose Robles, manager of arch competitor Carnegie Deli, commented to the Daily News, "There's not a lot of delis like this left. There was only the Stage and Carnegie left of this type."

The Stage was opened in 1937 by Max Asnas at a Broadway location where the Russian immigrant quickly developed a following for his towering sandwiches, Jewish-style side dishes and service with an attitude.