The line for 95-cent pastramis extended along Fairfax Avenue and around the corner. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Long before the party started on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m., a big line – and hearty appetites – were building along Fairfax Avenue in anticipation of the 95th anniversary of Canter’s Deli.

To celebrate, the deli offered 95-cent pastrami sandwiches to loyal customers as a way to say thank you and to pay tribute to the deli’s history and longevity. Many waited for hours in the line, which extended up Fairfax Avenue and around the corner. For faithful fans, it was well worth the wait.

“It’s a big deal,” said Judy Diamond, of Porter Ranch, who arrived nearly four hours early and secured the first spot in line. “It’s just something fun to do and to me, life is all about fun. What I like about [Canter’s Deli] is it’s open 24 hours. If you’re hungry, you can come late at night.”

Jack Faigenblat, of Burbank, secured the No. 2 spot in line, arriving just after Diamond around 2:25 p.m.

“I’ve been hearing about [the celebration] for about a week now on the news and my family has been eating here for years, probably almost as long as the place has been open,” Faigenblat said. “We still continue the tradition. I come here at least every two to three months.”

The 95-cent pastramis were available from 6 p.m.-midnight, and Canter’s Deli served approximately 2,500 sandwiches during the period.

“We held it to celebrate 95 years of being in business,” said Jaqueline Canter, a third-generation member of the Canter family, which is still operating the deli today. “My grandfather started it – you worked seven days a week, then my father worked seven days a week, and now my brother and I work here. My cousin works here. We all work here together and it’s still the same Canter family for all these years. We wanted to celebrate my grandfather’s legacy and my father’s legacy, and to celebrate all the hard work that they put in.”

Hollywood resident Martin Robinson, who was in line but nearing the entrance around 7 p.m., said he loves Canter’s and wanted to join the celebration.

“It’s Canter’s – I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said. “There are very few places like this still around in the world, so we’re very lucky to still have it here in L.A.”