Gindaco, Japan’s most popular takoyaki brand, is launching another store in L.A. at 2129 Sawtelle Blvd, according to a recent liquor license application. Naohisa Nakada is listed as the CEO for Gindaco USA, Inc., the primary owner of this location. Nakada also appears to be associated with several businesses throughout SoCal including Tenkatori USA (a “karaage” Japanese fried chicken restaurant chain), Ramen District (frozen ramen wholesaler), Japanese Products Produce (a marketing business), among others. Takoyaki, which translates to grilled octopus, is a common type of street food found in ..read more

The team behind LA Thai restaurants Chao Krung and Tuk Tuk is opening a new Thai smashburger restaurant on Friday, April 12. Located next door to Tuk Tuk Thai on Sawtelle Blvd, Ban Ban Burger is the newest concept from sisters and co-owners Chef Amanda Maneesilasan and Katy Noochla-or. The menu combines the classic American burger with flavors of Thai dishes like grapow and laab, plus Thai milkshakes in flavors like pandan, Thai tea, and coconut. Born in Bangkok, Thailand and raised in Los Angeles, Katy and Amanda grew up working in their parents’ restaurants (including Chao Krung, the second ..read more

Boichik Bagels, an increasingly popular bagel shop based out of the Bay Area, is looking to secure a lease in Los Feliz, reports Eater LA. This will be the chain’s first L.A. location. Since launching in 2019, the bakery has earned its tagline, “There are no(w) good bagels in California,” with one New York Times critic even titling their review, “The Best Bagels Are in California (Sorry, New York).” Boichik was founded by Emily Winston, a central New Jersey native who was inspired by the bagels she grew up eating, particularly at Zabar’s and H&H on the Upper West Side.   “In 201 ..read more

Tyler and Ashley Wells, the husband-and-wife team that founded the exceedingly popular All Time, are gearing up to open another restaurant. The pair recently applied for a liquor license at 875 E Mariposa St in Altadena under the business name Bernee, which happens to be Ashley’s middle name. Since the new concept’s moniker seems to take after Ashley, who is regarded as one of L.A.’s most lauded sommeliers, perhaps Bernee will have a wine bar or wine tasting component? Alas, this is just speculation. Since opening in 2018, All Time (named after Ashley and Tyler’s initials) has attracted prais ..read more

A new Mexican restaurant will be coming to the Inglerose Center plaza in Hawthorne. The Bad Hombre Spot recently filed for a liquor license at the former Baja King Fish Tacos and Mariscos space at 14225 Inglewood Ave. Byanett Arias, who also works as a real estate agent, is listed as the new eatery’s CEO and CFO on public filings. The Bad Hombre Spot appears to be her first restaurant venture.  Its unclear when Baja King Fish Tacos and Mariscos shuttered its Hawthorne outpost, but its San Bernadino store and its food truck are still up and running.  Arias could not be immediately re ..read more

Paris Tokyo by AZAI Sushi, a glamorous sushi joint that shuttered its doors in Golden Triangle a few months back, may be relocating to 8289 Santa Monica Blvd. at the site of the Arden Restaurant and Cafe, according to a recent liquor license application. Paris Tokyo and Arden are both under the same ownership, so it’s possible that the two concepts will be sharing the space. Notably, Arden’s website highlights, “One Address, Three Experiences.” In addition to the already open Arden Restaurant & Bar and Arden Cafe — both housed at 8289 Santa Monica — another spot called The Speakeasy is li ..read more

A new concept by Last Word Hospitality appears to be in the works for Rampart Village. Caffe Cavolo, LLC recently applied for a liquor license at 3107 Beverly Boulevard, the former site of Vaka Burger. Last Word co-founders Holly Fox and Adam Weisblatt are listed as the restaurant’s managing members. WNLA recently reported on another concept that the group is developing, Hermon’s, which is slated to be an American brasserie serving elevated comfort food. The addition of Caffe Cavolo, LLC will add to the company’s apparent growth plans.  Last Word was founded in 2014 as a strategic hospit ..read more

In the coming months, Holey Grail, a Hawaii-based taro doughnut brand, is expected to open its third L.A. outpost at 4803 E. 2nd St. in Belmont Shore, reports Longbeachize. What started as a food truck in 2018 has flourished into a sweet sensation with multiple brick-and-mortar outposts. The new Long Beach location will mark their third in Los Angeles and fifth overall, with additional stores in Santa Monica and Larchmont, and two in Hawaii.  Founded by Hana and Nile Dreiling, the siblings developed an innovative technique that transforms taro starch into a doughnut base. “Hawaiian grown ..read more

A Chipotle is currently under construction in Bixby Knolls at the northeast corner Atlantic Avenue and 37th Street. The new store took over the former Carl’s Jr. space, which was supposedly a Carl’s for nearly half a century according to Longbeachize. Chipotle previously had an outpost in the neighborhood at Long Beach Boulevard and San Antonio Drive, which closed before the pandemic. There is also another Chipotle around a mile away in Signal Hill. Last month, Chipotle released its full year 2023 earnings, reporting a total revenue increase of 14.3% and an increase in restaurant sales by 7.9 ..read more

The Aftermath Bar & Lounge is coming to 14537 Ventura Blvd this spring. The new 726-square-foot space is described as “Sherman Oaks’ latest beer & wine bar” on its Instagram page and will be offering weekend DJ entertainment. Proposed hours of operation listed in public records are noon to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and noon to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.  Byron Valencia, founder and CEO of Ivy Green Construction & Engineering, is developing the project. He also lists himself as the bar’s co-owner on his own Instagram page.  Valencia graduated from UC Irvin ..read more