Jay’s Cheesesteak set to close at the end of the month

After being in business since 1995, Jay Nazzal will close the doors to his cheesesteak restaurant on 21st and Valencia at the end of the month.

When Jay’s Cheesesteak opened, Nazzal was 25, freshly married, and expecting his firstborn child.

“I drove around the neighborhood and I saw every type of food except cheesesteaks,” he said, referring to a sandwich of cheese, steak and an assortment of vegetables. “And then I sat down with my cousin, made a menu, and all I had to do was turn the key and it started working.”

His uncle, Joseph Nazall, has owned Valencia Whole Foods across the street for 36 years. He owned a business where Jay’s Cheesesteak currently is before passing it on to Jay.

Nazzal said he’s closing because the building owner does not want to renew their lease. He’s also seen a decline in business over the years. 

“They put these e-bike stations in front of the building that blocks, like four parking spots,” he said. “And people go around looking for parking, they go once, twice, and then they give up. They find somewhere else to eat.”

Nazzal also noted “the neighborhood is just not the same anymore.” 

“It’s starting to get tough to make money,” he said. Nazzal said rising food costs and rising employee wages hinder his ability to make a profit.

“It was a damn good business for us. It did everything: put our kids through college, bought us a house. We have all the things we want. I’m not really struggling, but it’s sad because of my customers and I love the neighborhood to death,” he said.

Nazzal grew up in the Sunset, but because his favorite food is cheesesteak, it was only natural he open a restaurant serving the dish. 

Jason Nazzal, Jay’s cousin and Joseph’s son, is the owner of neighboring Sidewalk Juice. He said their businesses “fed off of each other.”

“People would get a cheesesteak and then they’d go next door and order a juice. So it’s worked out for us for years,” he said.

Jason said the restaurant’s closure feels like the end of an era for the family.

“It’s been my father, myself and my first cousin on that corner for all I can remember,” he said.

Ryen Motzek, president of the Mission Merchants Association, got word of Jay’s closure yesterday. 

“It’s an institution,” he said. “It’s a heartbreaker and I’m sad to see it go. And it’s a very special block right there.”

Motzek said the first time he tried Jay’s sandwiches was about 20 years ago. 

“I had a friend that was like, ‘Dude, they’ve got these insanely bomb seitan cheesesteaks.’ And they’re so good,  just really slamming.”

Eric Viana, Nazzal’s neighbor in the South City, was a patron of Jay’s before becoming neighbors with him.

“I’ve always known him as Jay’s Cheesesteak” he said “Even though he’s like my brother now, I have him as Jay Cheesesteak on my contact list.”

Viana’s go-to order has always been a classic Jay’s cheesesteak, although he’s gone through phases. 

“I’m a simple guy, but when I was going through a health kick, I was doing tuna melts, and he would wrap them in lettuce for me.”

Viana said Nazzal is a recognizable figure in the community. 

“People see him and they go, ‘Oh there’s Jay’s Cheesesteak,” he said. “I belong to a motorcycle club and when we do fundraisers or events, 100 percent of the time, Jay has been a sponsor for us. From softball to kids baseball, you name it, he’s donated.” 

Viana and Motzek also noted Nazzal’s resemblance to Vin Diesel. 

“We call him Toretto,” said Viana. “I had a big old gaudy chain with a cross and I’ve made him wear it to, you know, play into it.”

Motzek said that Jay’s business “spoke to the heart and soul of the Mission District.”

“The Mission is not homogenized by any means,” he said. “We have the Latino Cultural District and American Indian Cultural district, and we love our Mexican restaurants, but it’s not only Mexican restaurants. The Mission, more so than other neighborhoods in the city, embraces diverse cultures.” 

Nazzal said a customer who’s been going to Jay’s since he was a toddler, now an influencer, published an Instagram video yesterday after learning of the closure. The effect was immediate. 

“People have been calling me, coming in to have their last sandwich, last cheesesteak. My heart is full.”