McDonald’s #1411 at 1133 La Brea Avenue will continue operating its drive-thru 24 hours daily, with the dining area open from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., following a unanimous decision by the West Hollywood Business License Commission on May 20, 2025. The approval of the Extended Hour Business License, prompted by a 2023 change in ownership, came with a condition for a six-month compliance review, reflecting tensions between resident concerns and economic benefits for late-night workers.
Residents near the McDonald’s voiced strong opposition, citing noise, loitering, and safety issues. Claire Woods, a Detroit Street resident, described the impact on her family’s quality of life: “There’s honking and yelling at all hours… drug use, abandoned cars—it’s a horror to live next to this building.” Justin Morgan, president of the Detroit 10 Homeowners Association, echoed her concerns, noting frequent unreported incidents like litter and passed-out individuals, urging the Commission to require additional security to mitigate disturbances.
Despite these concerns, supporters highlighted the economic necessity of extended hours. Ben Bruskin, a West Hollywood resident, argued, “Taking this away would be ridiculous… it’s tax revenue, delivery orders—it would be punitive.” Jasmine, a full-time Uber Eats driver, emphasized the impact on workers: “Denying this request would directly affect my livelihood—and countless others who depend on late-night shifts.” The drive-thru’s role as the city’s only 24-hour fast-food option underscores its value to late-night diners and delivery drivers. Brandon Blau, a local resident, added that denying the license could worsen issues by removing the required security presence during those hours.
McDonald’s, operating at this location since 1999, has been under new ownership by Patricia Yoon since 2023. Debra Perkins, the applicant representative, outlined improvements: a 2024 remodel, 24-hour security, brighter lighting, and upgraded surveillance. To address trash complaints, Perkins committed to more frequent cleanups, exploring locked bins with Athens Services, and working with neighbors to resolve issues like loitering near adjacent properties.
The Commission acknowledged the broader societal challenges, such as homelessness, that contribute to resident concerns. Commissioner Cochran noted, “A lot of these issues are out of our control… denying this might attract more loiterers.” The approved license requires one unarmed security guard during extended hours, with staff to report back in six months on compliance, including calls for service and community feedback. Residents can report issues via the WeHo app (323-848-6516) or Block by Block, ensuring ongoing oversight.
As the compliance review looms in November 2025, McDonald’s faces an opportunity to prove its commitment to being a good neighbor, balancing late-night accessibility with community well-being in West Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
I know of a lot of residents that give up expressing their opinion, no longer show up to city council meetings and don’t participate in any city events. They know that this council does not give a rat’s ass what the people want. They have their agenda (and the union’s) and they’re going push through every bit of radical crap they want..residents be damned. They don’t put residents first. That’s a sad fact.