Twain's is Saved! Sharky's to Incorporate the Googie Structure Rather than Rebuild

Good news, Googie fans! Twain’s won’t be bulldozed after all, though it is still becoming a Sharky’s Mexican Grill.

Based in part on the popularity of the well-known local landmark and its swooping diner lines, Sharky’s is now "pouring over the original plans from 1960" in order to give the place a bit of a renaissance, instead of a demolition. What’s more, there are hints that Sharky’s will even add on a Googie-inspired patio cover.

It’s a smart move for the brand, which has always had a community focus. It’s also a good example of what can happen when a neighborhood rallies around a landmark, and ownership understands the importance of historic design (see also: the ongoing fight for Norm’s on La Cienega).