Buddha's Belly in Santa Monica Finds Freedom in The Independence

It seems that even a near perfect location right on Third Street Promenade isn't enough to save a tired brand like Buddha's Belly from finding the ax. Toddrickallen reports that the longtime quasi-Asian eatery is turning into The Independence, which purports to be a modern tavern concept on its splashpage website. Apparently things will turn around quickly, with an opening scheduled in the next few months. No other word on who's behind the operation.