Echo Park’s Iconic Taix French Restaurant Sells Property But Vows to Stay Open

Echo Park’s beloved French restaurant Taix, which commands a sweeping piece of property along Sunset Boulevard, has sold its land as a part of major redevelopment, reports The Eastsider. Owner Mike Taix told his employees about the news on Wednesday, promising to retain key parts of the restaurant that will have to make room for a new mixed-use residential project.

Though rumors circulated that LA’s oldest existing French restaurant would close forever, this news affirms that Taix will eventually have to temporarily close to make way for 170 housing units, plus 13,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Taix originally opened in 1927 in Downtown LA and moved to its current building in Echo Park in 1962. The restaurant’s current bar, lounge, entrance, and iconic signage will stay while the rest of the property and its surrounding parking lot will make room for the new development.

Given permitting and construction in LA, that temporary closure could be years away, which means current Taix fans should have a long time to enjoy the dimly lit, old school dining room and its French country food. Mike Taix tells The Eastsider that dwindling profits, higher food costs, difficult building maintenance, and the challenging economics of running a restaurant 2019 forced him to consider the sale of the property. Mike Taix is now under a lease agreement with the new property owners, with plans to continue operation, and retain much of the menu after the reopening and redevelopment are complete down the line. Taix tells the Eastsider, “It will be a reflection of what you would expect from Taix.”

Taix was often a meeting place for city officials, labor union leaders, and other events, as the restaurant could facilitate large parties in its banquet halls. Those spaces will likely come down to make room for the new development. As LA’s restaurant climate continues to change with higher minimum wages, competitive pressures, and increased food costs, longtime restaurants such as Taix need a lifeline to continue their operations. Despite a new landlord and a potential temporary closure, here’s to hoping that one of LA’s beloved classic restaurants can remain a part of Echo Park’s unique neighborhood fabric.

• Echo Park’s Taix French restaurant to become part of major real estate development [The Eastsider]
• 20 Classic LA Restaurants Every Angeleno Must Try [ELA]