UPDATE: Raising Cane’s won’t take over Norms

UPDATE 12/5/24: Raising Cane’s has decided not to pursue its plans to replace the historic Norms restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard near Beverly Grove with one of its restaurants. The fast-food chain announced it would no longer present its proposal to the LA Conservancy regarding the site’s preservation, as previously scheduled.

The fate of Norms La Cienega, an iconic diner and beloved landmark of mid-century Googie architecture, is on the line as plans to shutter it head for the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission’s review on December 5.

Raising Cane’s Restaurants LLC, which purchased the property in 2021 for $16 million, has proposed rehabilitating the building for a new restaurant use, raising concerns among preservationists and community members about the potential displacement of this historic business.

Norms La Cienega, located at 470 N. La Cienega Blvd., opened in 1957 and remains the oldest operating location in the Norms chain. It was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 1090 in 2015 following a concerted preservation effort. Designed by Eldon Davis of Armét & Davis, the diner exemplifies the Googie style popular in the postwar era, featuring a dramatic upswept roof, bold geometric shapes, extensive use of glass and neon, and its iconic sawtooth pennant sign.

The Norms story began in 1949 when Los Angeles native Norm Roybark opened a 24-hour diner near Sunset and Vine, one of the first of its kind in Southern California. Its promise of “great food, great service, and great value” quickly made it a neighborhood favorite. Over the decades, Norms expanded to 24 locations across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, with plans for further growth, including a location in Las Vegas. Norms helped define casual family dining in the region, building a loyal customer base that spans generations. Its inviting atmosphere, fresh and affordable meals, and commitment to community involvement have made it a lasting presence in Southern California life.

The La Cienega location has a particularly rich legacy, not only architecturally but also culturally. Its iconic sawtooth sign, originally sketched on a napkin by Roybark and Davis, has become a defining feature of Norms locations. While the original sign at La Cienega features letters that wash and flash, newer iterations include digital and freeway pennants, blending nostalgia with modern technology.

Norms La Cienega has also been a backdrop for significant moments in pop culture. It has appeared in TV shows such as Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and American Horror Story, films like Drag Me to Hell and Woman in Gold, and even in the autobiography of Graham Nash, who recalled breakfasting at Norms during the recording of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s debut album. The diner’s cultural significance was further cemented by Ed Ruscha’s painting “Norms La Cienega on Fire,” now part of the Getty Museum’s collection.

Despite its designation as a historic-cultural monument, the Cultural Heritage Commission’s authority is limited to preserving the physical elements outlined in the landmark designation, according to Esouteric’s Sec. The commission cannot dictate the type of business that operates within the property. However, preservationists emphasize that public opinion and community advocacy can play a key role in influencing Raising Cane’s corporate decisions.

The December 5 hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in Room 1010 at City Hall. Community members can attend in person, participate via Zoom or phone, or submit written comments to [email protected]. Written submissions should be titled “Item #4: NORM’S LA CIENEGA COFFEE SHOP, HCM #1090” and addressed to the Cultural Heritage Commissioners. The meeting agenda provides detailed instructions for participation.