Celebrity Chef Richard Blais Opening Next LA Location in Old Town Pasadena

Fried chicken fanatics seem ready to rejoice, thanks to the announcement that the Crack Shack will open a location in Pasadena. The San Diego-based crowd pleaser launched in 2015 by Top Chef alum Richard Blais and Michael Rosen, and Pasadena will be their second Los Angeles location.

First reported by the Pasadena Star News, Rosen announced the company’s expansion into Old Town Pasadena. The Crack Shack acquired an ABC license in October for the space in 30 West Green Street. The 6,000-square-foot space is a former recording studio, which could mark the beginning of a lengthy build-out. The restaurant will sit on the same rather sleepy stretch as Rocco’s Tavern, 85°C Bakery, Gyu-Kaku, and Buca di Beppo.

The first Crack Shack opened in San Diego’s Little Italy in 2015. The menu proved so popular that they ran out of food on the first day, and still maintain very long lines during service. Crack Shack opened another SD location in 2016, a Costa Mesa outpost last month, and announced one for the Westfield Century City this past September.

• Richard Blais Jumps into Chicken (and Egg) Game With Crack Shack [ELA]
• San Diego Hit Crack Shack Confirms First LA Location at Westfield Century City [ELA]
• ‘Top Chef’ Richard Blais to open fried chicken eatery, The Crack Shack, in Pasadena [Pasadena Star News]