Shake Shack has progressively expanded throughout Southern California since its West Hollywood debut in 2016. That approach may have been too ambitious, as the firm announced the closing of five Los Angeles-area locations, including Culver City, Silver Lake, Koreatown, Bunker Hill, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. The closures in Southern California are part of a total of nine announced by the corporation owing to declining sales.
The New York-based burger restaurant recently built its first drive-thru in Torrance, suggesting a shift in its operating strategy away from congested urban regions and toward more suburban locations.
Employees at the closed sites will be offered opportunities at adjacent restaurants, and those who opt not to transfer will get a 60-day severance package. Shake Shack has 19 restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.
The Expansion of Fast-food Employment
Salon reports that the state of California observed job growth in fast-food businesses despite the new statutory minimum wage raise from $15.50 to $20 per hour. Since the new minimum wage was implemented in April 2024, the overall number of fast-food workers in the state has climbed from 739,500 to 750,500 as of July 2024. The new law also established a Fast Food Council to promote better benefits and working conditions.
Are Street Hot Dogs Wholesome?
KTLA asks a topic that many people may be wondering: Are the bacon-wrapped hot dogs sold on the street outside nightclubs, sporting events, and concerts safe to eat? From July 2023 to July 2024, the health department received just 83 complaints about diseases caused by unpermitted street food sales, a modest figure given the likely tens of thousands of transactions made each month throughout the county.
Texas BBQ in California
Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor, Daniel Vaughn, just produced a list of the top Texas-style BBQ locations outside of Texas, and four in Southern California cut. Los Angeles’ Moo’s Craft Barbecue placed fourth in the country, while San Juan Capistrano’s Heritage Barbecue ranked fifth.
Vaughn commended Moo’s, stating that “it’s the closest one can get to eating craft barbecue in Texas,” while Heritage prepares “stunning brisket” with California white oak. The barbecue pop-up Priedite in Los Alamos and Ray’s Texas BBQ in Huntington Park, founded by the late Rene Ramirez, were also mentioned.
The Future of Viper Room
According to Urbanize LA, West Hollywood has approved a new 11-story multi-use skyscraper above the current location of the legendary Viper Room on the Sunset Strip. The upcoming development will feature a 90-room hotel, 78 dwelling units (including 16 affordable-rate units), and 28,000 square feet of restaurant, cafe, and bar space.
In the 1990s, Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco co-owned the long-running music club, which was a hangout for fledgling punk, metal, and alt-rock bands and was infamous for drug-related incidents. The new plan will demolish the current structure and include a nearly 7,000-square-foot area where the Viper Room may be revived.
The Second-ever Hot Dog on a Stick Shuts on the Pier
Hot Dog on a Stick’s Redondo Beach pier outpost, which opened in 1962 and was the chain’s second location, will close in early September. According to the Daily News, 68-year-old owner Craig Reidt stated that he was “worn out” and saw the end of summer as a cue to shut operations. The original Hot Dog on a Stick, which began selling corn dogs and other foods in Santa Monica in 1946, had a complete makeover two years ago.
Fiorelli Pizza Receives Positive Feedback
SF Gate has an article about Fiorelli Pizza, where chef Michael Fiorelli and his business partner Liz Gutierrez serve blistered wood-fired pizzas on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice’s Cook’s Garden. The continuous pizza pop-up now produces between 120 and 140 pizzas every day, but Fiorelli and Gutierrez are unsure what their next steps will be when the weather turns chilly.
Qué Bárbaro and Evil Cooks
Qué Bárbaro chef Ray Garcia is teaming up with Alex and Elvia Garcia of Evil Cooks to host a $120 seven-course dinner on September 5 at Qué Bárbaro on Level 8 of the AC/Moxy Hotel. Expect to see Evil Cooks’ renowned black octopus al pastor, which was recently featured on PBS’ Rebel Kitchens. Reservations are accessible on OpenTable.