Monte Carlo deli owner dies

Molly Shore

Mark Brankovich Sr., longtime owner of Monte Carlo Italian

Delicatessen & Restaurant and Pinocchio’s Restaurant, died Oct. 19, 2001,

at his home in West Hollywood.

Brankovich was born March 4, 1922, in Yugoslavia.

In 1969, Brankovich bought the deli. Two years later he built the

adjoining restaurant at 3103 W. Magnolia Blvd.

“He loved this place,” said his daughter, Laura Brankovich. “It’s

old-fashioned Italian serving several generations of families.”

When Brankovich arrived in the United States, his first venture was

the Golden Deer, a restaurant in Chicago. After Chicago he moved to New

York City.

He then came out to Los Angeles to operate the Gaslight Club, which

was a private nightclub in the 1950s and ‘60s in West Los Angeles.

Several years after, Brankovich bought Monte Carlo, and he opened a

wholesale bakery on the premises.

Brankovich is survived by his wife, Marilyn; son Mark Brankovich Jr.;

daughter Laura Brankovich; and brother Alex Brankovich.

A private memorial service is planned at the delicatessen for family

and friends.