At the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission meeting on March 24, residents Wendy Goldman and Mikie Friedman spoke about the ongoing decline of the Sunset Strip, including recent restaurant closures and safety issues. Goldman, a block captain of the Cynthia Sunset Neighborhood Watch near the Strip, reported, “The Sunset Strip has seen the closures of two restaurants, Hudson House after barely five years and the Petite Four, a 44-year-old business.” Friedman, a long-time resident, corrected this count: “It isn’t two restaurants that have closed, it’s four now—it’s Rockin Riley’s, Warrior, Hudson House, and the Petite Four.” Both tied these losses to broader economic and safety challenges facing the historic corridor.
Goldman framed the closures as part of a post-pandemic downturn, noting, “Boarded-up houses and storefronts like the old Hustler building and restaurants like Charcoal that only lasted nine months have become eyesores.” She linked this neglect to increased crime, saying, “It’s the broken windows theory—when criminals see that an area lacks protection, it will be easier to attract more crime.” She referenced a Harvard study showing “people feel afraid when there is no visible sign of caring” and urged the commission to “consider adding Sheriff’s deputies on foot patrols on Sunset Strip”, noting that the remaining businesses on the Strip between San Vicente and Doheny are struggling. “Parkways and trees need maintenance,” she said, “We need to spruce up the Sunset Strip in preparation for Pride Month, the Olympics, and new construction. We need to invest in this historic area immediately to prevent luxury hotels and billboards from taking over what was a global entertainment mecca for over 80 years.”
Friedman expanded on the economic pressures, stating, “It’s for three reasons: one, the minimum wage is too high for tipped employees; two, commercial landlords are charging way too much rent; and three, the homeless are encountering people and they’re scaring them.” She described the shuttered Petite Four as “the most wonderful restaurant”. Her personal safety concerns added another layer: a delivery robot on Clark Street above Sunset nearly caused her to fall while walking her dog Stormy, a 100-pound pet “petrified of scooters, delivery robots, and bicycles.” “If there hadn’t been a car that I could slam my body into, I would have fallen,” she said, noting her mobility issues after falling twice at home. Friedman invited commissioners to a Wednesday presentation on delivery robots’ dangers to older adults and people with disabilities.
Both residents painted a picture of a Sunset Strip at a crossroads—four closures signaling economic strain, compounded by safety threats from homelessness and emerging technologies. Their pleas for patrols and investment underscored a call to preserve a legacy now marked by vacant storefronts and personal hazards.
Totally agree with these commenters. There are tourists, locals, a music scene that attracts all ages and alongside it just too many long term vacancies. And now even more. What is the city council doing to attract and retain small businesses which are the heart of the city and bring a unique character to the Strip? It’s a calling card for the city going to waste.
The solution is obvious. All of these recent closures occurred where businesses were located in buildings that did not have digital billboards. If every business on the Strip was allowed to install ten-story digital billboards, then the landlords would not have to gouge tenants for revenue. We just need to think outside the box.
The famous Sunset Strip needs improvement. Its restaurants struggle due to the high minimum wage, safety and other factors. The Den just announced it is closing after many years. The high minimum wage needs to be lowered especially if/when the proposed no tax on tips passes. Basic business economics dictate survival for these restaurants to stay in business and succeed.
Why the City does not grasp that is astounding.