Norms No More? Iconic Restaurant Chain Sells to Outside Family for First Time in 65 Years

Norms Restaurants, the longstanding Southern California diner chain, has officially been sold off to outside investor Jim Balis, per LA Mag. The ownership change marks the first time in the sixty-five year history of the legendary brand that control has not been squarely under the Roybark family name. The patron Norm himself, Norman Roybark, opened the first location near Sunset and Vine in 1949, and the family steadily expanded in the decades following WWII alongside similar Americana-tinged restaurant groups as Big Boy and Denny's.

New owner Balis, alongside incoming president Mike Colonna, have a history of revamping franchise names like Boston Market and Dunkin' Donuts, but aren't looking to retool Norms, just expand it. Whether that means a facelift and/or rebrand away from the iconic orange and white Googie signage that is so synonymous with the Norms name remains to be seen.

Long the post-club late night destination for anyone working off a stiff night at the bar and early morning workers alike, Norms has maintained its always-there presence for more than six decades. Here's to hoping the heritage of the place remains intact.