I was walking past the new Laurel Supply earlier today and managed to get another look inside the long awaited project. Things have changed a lot since we last took a peek back in November. We now have a very real sense of what Laurel Supply is going to be. It looks like it’s going to be something pretty special.
The mystery is mostly solved. This isn’t just a restaurant. It isn’t just a market. It’s both, done at a scale and level of finish that West Hollywood residents and Laurel Hardware fans have come to expect.
Part of the space tells the story. A massive L-shaped refrigerated open display case runs the full length of a wall, backed by exposed brick. Multi-tiered stainless steel, the kind you see at serious specialty food operations, not a corner cafe. Several freestanding glass display cases, the kind built for pastries, prepared foods, cheese and charcuterie are positioned throughout the floor under those dramatic Douglas fir timber trusses. An “Organic” sign is already up on one of the wood panels toward the back. That’s the concept, right there.
A separate zone is clearly dedicated to sit-down dining. The same beautiful light oak floors run through a long corridor flanked by those signature X-shaped timber trusses. Black pedestal café tables are already positioned.
Out front on the Santa Monica Boulevard sidewalk, a long row of warm oak booth seating has been staging assembled and caution-taped off, ready to go in. Several units already have the black table bases in place between them.
A floating white ceiling canopy, a real architectural statement, separate from the exposed cedar ceiling above it, hovers over what looks to a bar or central service counter. Dual flat-screens hang beneath it from a ceiling mount. A curved hostess or reception desk in matching blonde oak is positioned near the entrance. The whole dining section has a considered, expensive feel to it.
The Building, the Owners
The building at 8445 Santa Monica Boulevard has had a lot of lives. Built in 1942 for Ritts Company Furniture, then the dot com-era Hollywood Stock Exchange, then creative office space for companies like Stampede Ventures. The Laurel Hardware and Ysabel ownership group has controlled it since the late 2010s. They’ve done right by the old showroom shell.
Dean McKillen and Phil Howard, the duo behind Laurel Hardware at 7984 Santa Monica Boulevard, are behind this project. The original Laurel Hardware is staying put, this isn’t a relocation. Laurel Supply at the corner of Olive Drive next to Barney’s Beanery, is its own thing entirely.
From where things stand right now, floors down, display cases delivered and in place, booth seating about to go in, exterior complete, this one’s close. I was right when I wrote in January that we’re talking weeks, not months. And as the headline said, it looks to be well worth the wait.
Related Coverage:
• Sneak Peek Inside Laurel Hardware’s 8445 Santa Monica Project
• Now We Know: “Laurel Supply” Sign Goes Up
Where is the parking?
There is a smaller size lot in back on Olive.
Thank you Brian for your snooping, although you are probably correct that the owners would prefer you hadn’t! I think your article builds interest so probably overall helpful to them. Sure Erewhon is paying attention! Hearing Erewhon’s grand opening right now is jam packed. Also wondering how the outside booths will work out- probably a good thing the Ambassadors are stationed across the street at the park. The rehab thus far is gorgeous and long overdue. I wish them well and hope they have the make or break of parking well-sorted. I remember there was a short-lived prepared-food market by… Read more »
They spent all of that money just for Erewhon to pop up,a few blocks down..!
Hopefully they both dont close….very limited offices are still around both of them not sure about work traffic walking for lunch anymore.
and over priced. those peeps making the new high min wage will need (2-3) hrs of wages to afford1 item at both
Yep ! It happens all the time in weho,someone goes out on the limb,to start a new business,and bam,the new minimum wage and everything else brings them to their knees in months..!
What does Erewhon have to do with this restaurant?
this will be of a grocery than restaurant…similar stores are in brentwood and eataly at cc mall
Erewhon operates as a high-end grocery store with integrated cafés and prepared food counters..Pretty much how the Laurel Supply market/restaurant is going to be..!
Looks like the booths out on the sidewalk will be permanent seating there along with permanent table tops that will be secured to the sidewalk…lets see how long until this building is tagged like basix looks like it was already since the plywood went up 🙁
I appreciate the insight into Laurel Supply; it’s exciting to see fresh dining options in West Hollywood!