Double-dipping Waiters Sandwiched Between Two Delis

Double-dipping Waiters Sandwiched Between Two Delis

Lopez is not a delicatessen double agent, funneling trade secrets on Russian dressing and blintzes. The 29-year-old is one of several waiters who openly works at two of the delis that compete for the title of Los Angeles' best.

The delis' unique shared employee pool speaks to the changing demographics of their neighborhoods. Langer's, surrounded by drug dealers and vendors selling fake IDs, is open for lunch only. Canter's, in a once-sleepy neighborhood now home to cafes and clubs, draws a younger crowd well into the wee hours.

Sharing workers makes sense, the deli owners say, because top talent is rare. A good waiter who understands the makings of a mean Reuben is hard to find.

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