clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Founder of West LA’s Iconic Breakfast Spot John O’Groats Has Died

Robert Jacoby opened the Rancho Park restaurant in 1982

Robert Jacoby, co-founder of John O’Groats (left) with Paul Tyler and Angelica Jacoby
Robert Jacoby, co-founder of John O’Groats (left) with Paul Tyler and Angelica Jacoby
John O’Groats [Official photo]
Matthew Kang is the Lead Editor of Eater LA. He has covered dining, restaurants, food culture, and nightlife in Los Angeles since 2008. He's the host of K-Town, a YouTube series covering Korean food in America, and has been featured in Netflix's Street Food show.

Robert Jacoby, who opened the now iconic breakfast and lunch restaurant John O’Groats in West LA’s Rancho Park neighborhood, died on May 16, 2018. The restaurant made the announcement on their Facebook page, with dozens of longtime regulars chiming in the comments with heartfelt thoughts for Jacoby and his family.

Robert and Angelica Jacoby opened John O’Groats on the corner of Manning and Pico Boulevard back in 1982. The Jacobys also owned Bit O’Scotland restaurant on Westwood Blvd, which closed years ago. John O’Groats only served breakfast and lunch so that the Jacobys could take care of their sons Paul and Carl Tyler in the evenings.

They eventually expanded to an Encino location in 1984, which also closed a few years ago. In 1995, the West LA location grew to a larger location, and then grew its footprint again in 2000. With excellent biscuits, pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches, John O’Groats continues to draw weekday and weekend crowds looking for a quality sitdown breakfast.

Robert and Angelica’s son Paul Tyler has been running the restaurant as managing partner since 1994 after graduating from Cornell University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

Dearest Guests, Today we are saddened by the loss of our father and John O'Groats founder, Robert Jacoby. He will be...

Posted by John O'Groats Restaurant on Wednesday, May 16, 2018