QUEENS — An iconic kosher deli and restaurant in Rego Park was transformed into a movie set Monday for a film starring Robert De Niro, its owner said.
“The Comedian,” a Taylor Hackford-directed drama, also starring Leslie Mann and Edie Falco, was set to be filmed at Ben's Best Deli from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The deli, which opened on Queens Boulevard more than seven decades ago, and is known for naming its dishes and sandwiches after local politicians, stores and events, remained closed Sunday and Monday and will reopen Tuesday morning, owner Jay Parker said.
“We will be closed Sunday and Monday, February 21-22, for a very special event,” the sign placed in the window read.
“We got lucky,” Parker said Sunday. “They liked our location and we were happy to help them.”
Parker said that the production crew was slated to film four scenes at his deli, but would not reveal if any of the big stars would be there.
"The Comedian" tells the story of a sarcastic standup comic (De Niro) who meets Mann’s character at a wedding. The two develop a close relationship.
The movie is expected to be released in 2017.
