8601 SANTA MONICA BLVD. — EL POLLO LOCO
El Pollo Loco is moving toward an opening later this summer. The hopes are for a pre-Labor Day opening.
8612 SANTA MONICA BLVD. — JOHN REED FITNESS
Meanwhile across the street, John Reed Fitness has been hit with delays from City Hall that have pushed their opening date out to the end of the year.
8811 SANTA MONICA BLVD. — FANTOM FLOWER
Fantom Flower at the former Flaming Saddles is moving along. A public hearing has been set for 5 p.m Aug. 9 for “alcohol service” on the main floor. Construction crews tell me they are still a year away from their opening date.
8735 SANTA MONICA BLVD. — CRISPY PORK GANG THAI
Crispy Pork Gang Thai, located at the old Coffee Bean, has pulled out of their lease. A note on the door shows that the possession is in the landlord’s hands. That happens when a tenant does not pay the rent and a contract is in limbo.
8737 SANTA MONICA BLVD. — DOLLY SHINE
Right next door at the former Gym Bar, a new gay bar, possibly called Dolly Shine, is on the verge of opening. Red tape reportedly delayed its opening earlier this summer.
And that’s all folks!
I like this column.
Good to know the ups/down & ins/outs.
Too bad we have a chain restaurant coming.
That is not a good look for WeHo.
I disagree. Subway was a chain on that block and they are vacating. It’s a net 0
And people were complaining how there weren’t enough “affordable” eateries anymore. This is a great option for affordable meals.
Chain eateries may seem good for your wallet but progressively bad for your health.
What are City Hall’s problems with John Reed Fitness? If I recall correctly they had planned on a June opening.
Excited for everything but the weed shop.
Ugh, El Pollo Loco, really? Can we please not ruin SMB. 🙁
WeHo had kept the chain fast food places out of the city for the longest time. Because they’re just not as good or decent as the individual spots we had, like Hamburger Haven. Some of these places are already ruining the whole upscale look that West Hollywood once had. Now it’s cheap plastic flowers and weird colors and just doesn’t even look like West Hollywood anymore. If I could really have it my way, I’d have Hamburger Haven return. And Tacos Tacos! And French Market too. Oh, and WeHo Lounge. Tango Grill, and Koo Koo Roo aja “Circuit Chicken,” as… Read more »
The Greenery!
Recent additions in the past few months to SMB:
Tail O’ the Pup
Junior Cookies
Irv’s Burgers
RioZonas Acai bowls
OPVS Fitness gym
Coming soon:
Bora Sushi (8729 Santa Monica Blvd)
Or Bar (8228 Santa Monica Blvd)
Ah I forgot Zarape Cocina & Cantina (upscale Mexican food)
It is my understanding that there is a National Grant for enriching Main Streets in the US affecting historic or potentially historic buildings and businesses. Given that Santa Monica Blvd. is Historic Route 66, it is surprising that West Hollywood has not availed itself of the opportunity.
I would presume somebody at City Hall knows this, but you could easily send an email.
Did that long ago. No interest.
Nothing exciting. Pot and booze. More of the same. We no longer have a diverse main drag.
So where is the Chamber of Commerce regarding diversity and stability?
So you’re totally ignoring the affordable chicken restaurant and gym?
What types of businesses would you like to see?
numbers one and five are food. Two is fitness.
And, it is an entertainment area (one big stretch of it) after all.
Pot and booze generate brick and mortar location revenue. Old, outdated and obsolete businesses are history because they no longer do.
I have to say, it’s nothing exciting I’m afraid. 🥴
Any news on Or Bar? A sign in the window says “Now Hiring”.
Any change in the status of Revolver changing hands to Flaming Saddles?
Follow them on social media- I think they are aiming for a late summer/fall opening.
https://www.instagram.com/theorbar/
Bar openings always take months, if not years longer than projected due to regulation related delays. It’s always been that way in California, probably always will be.