September restaurant closures hit Los Angeles hard…
Los Angeles’ restaurant massacre confirmed no indicators of letting up in September.
The unhealthy news just stored coming for Southern California’s beleaguered hospitality industry last month, as beloved neighborhood establishments, movie star haunts and longtime watering holes announced they had been calling it quits — some after many years in business.
From the Sunset Strip to a Van Nuys brewery recognized for its British-style ales, September delivered another brutal spherical of last calls. The carnage comes as LA restaurant homeowners continue to grapple with hovering rent, food and labor prices, sluggish foot site visitors, lingering fallout from the pandemic, Hollywood strikes and the 2025 wildfires.
One of the Sunset Strips’s longest-running movie star sushi haunts rolled its last maki Sept. 29. Instagram/@sushiyaonsunset
Sushiya on Sunset
One of the Sunset Strips’s longest-running movie star sushi haunts rolled its last maki Sept. 29. Sushiya had been slinging sushi at Sunset Plaza since 1998, changing into a fixture for Hollywood heavyweights and neighborhoods regulars. Over its 28-year run, the Japanese joint reportedly welcomed a parade of A-listers including Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder and John Travolta.
Employees Only attracted lots of celebrities who got here out for the speakeasy-style digs and craft cocktails. Instagram/@employeesonlyla
Employees Only, the moody cocktail bar and restaurant, introduced a style of NYC after darkish to Santa Monica Blvd. Instagram/@employeesonlyla
Employees Only
Just two days before Sushiya went darkish, another one of West Hollywood’s see-and-be-seen spots poured its remaining cocktail. Employees Only, the moody cocktail bar and restaurant, introduced a style of NYC after darkish to Santa Monica Blvd. and attracted lots of celebrities who got here out for the speakeasy-style digs and craft cocktails. Managing accomplice Tom Sopit told Eater LA the business had successfully suffered a “death by a thousand cuts” with inflation, rising wages, larger prices for items and shifting shopper habits all contributing.
MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. shut its Van Nuys taproom Sept. 27 Instagram/@macleodale
MacLeod Ale Brewing Co.
The Valley also took a hit. MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. shut its Van Nuys taproom Sept. 27, ending its 12-year run. Known for its old-school British cask ales and home made pizzas, and neighborhood vibe, the brewery distinguished itself by going all in on “real ale” — with imported English grains, naturally carbonated, cask-conditioned beer.
Espresso Profeta
Even caffeine couldn’t keep one Westwood establishment awake. Espresso Profeta served its remaining cup on Sept. 25 after 20 years in business, ending a two decade run from its charming Glendale Avenue home. The unbiased specialty espresso store significantly beloved for its courtyard and old-school environment, changing into a hangout for generations of UCLA college students and locals. Co-owner and General Manager Samantha Langford told the Daily Bruin that the business might no longer afford its rent.
California’s well-known giant artichoke restaurant is closing after a 25-year run, as it lists for $1.8 million. Instagram/@bluebubbles30
The Giant Artichoke
Up the coast in Castroville, The Giant Artichoke, a quirky roadside restaurant called it quits Sept. 30 after 25 years under its current homeowners. The Monterrey County eatery was recognized for its distinctive 20-foot-tall artichoke statue that stood close to its entrance. The sculpture dates back to 1963, when the restaurant was operated by its authentic proprietor, local businessman Ray Bei.
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