LA’s Rising Food Hall Trend Isn’t Going Anywhere

Is LA ready for yet another food hall?

According to the fine folks over at Curbed, there could be yet another food hall coming to the city soon. A proposed mixed-use building is being considered near the Wilshire/La Brea Purple Line extension (across the street from Republique, actually) and according to plans it has the potential to drastically change the way that neighborhood eats.

Per the filing, the proposed building would rise some 12 stories from street level off La Brea and add not only apartments and retail, but a rooftop restaurant and space for entrepreneurial young food startups to ply their wares. Of course within just a few minutes’ drive there’s already the Original Farmers Market, a proposed new food hall in Beverly Grove called Edin Park, plus the higher-end option at the under-construction Beverly Center (to say nothing of this more simplistic concept for nearby Koreatown). The question becomes: Does LA really need this many food halls? And while fast casual, limited-labor service models are currently all the rage thanks to skyrocketing costs of doing business, is this something customers really clamor for (outside of Grand Central Market, of course)? When it comes to this massive new planned build-out on La Brea, only time will tell.

Korean food in the SGV

Looks like an expansion for Korean comfort food option Sun Nong Dan, as the company announced a few days ago the grand opening of their Rowland Heights outlet. The place is now up and running daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and is sure to do some pretty brisk business. 18902 E. Gale Ave., Rowland Heights.

More love for The Bellwether

Valley favorite The Bellwether got some spirits love from Chilled Magazine, in a conversation with GM/co-owner Ann-Marie Verdi. You’ll have to pick up a print edition to see the whole thing, but here’s a sneak peek.

Roy Choi’s early days

KCET takes a look at Roy Choi’s early days aboard the Kogi truck, talking to the chef and others about the budding food truck revolution that went on right under their free. It’s an interesting look at a specific time in LA’s restaurant growth, and offers insight into what got Choi to where he is today.

Changing demographics in Orange County

OC Weekly offers a look at the changing nature of downtown Santa Ana, as the suddenly hip enclave continues to draw in an entirely new clientele. According to the Orange County paper, there are “no Mexican beer bars left.”

No more Compartes on Melrose Place

Looks like the end of the line for Compartes at their Melrose Place outlet, as the below sign is now hanging in the window of their shop. Lasting just over two years there, the company is now focusing on their Brentwood location as well as online sales.