In February, Los Angeles faced more than just rainfall as two additional restaurants, Manzke and its sister establishment Bicyclette, are set to close their doors on March 1, according to reports from Eater Los Angeles. This announcement comes on the heels of chef-owners Walter and Margarita Manzke shuttering their Petty Cash Taqueria on Beverly Boulevard and the Sari Sari Store in Downtown’s Grand Central Market, leaving the duo with only République in their culinary portfolio.
The closure of Manzke and Bicyclette adds to a growing list of around 50 restaurants that have ceased operations over the past year. Among these closures are notable venues like Bar Moruno in Silver Lake, the Anchor seafood restaurant in Venice, and the Best Bet pizzeria in Culver City, among others. The closures reflect a challenging landscape for the restaurant industry, with establishments struggling to sustain themselves amidst rising expenses and fluctuating consumer behavior.
One such casualty, West Hollywood’s Charcoal Sunset, ceased operations shortly after opening in July 2023, citing the challenging operating environment. Owner Josiah Citrin expressed concerns over escalating expenses, particularly in areas like West Hollywood, where operating costs are notably high.
The closures have also prompted a shift in the restaurant landscape, with some establishments undergoing transformations rather than leaving vacant spaces. For instance, Lisa Vanderpump’s PUMP in West Hollywood was replaced by Venice’s Roosterfish, while Nancy Silverton’s The Barish in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel gave way to the French brasserie Shirley Brasserie.
Even renowned establishments like Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant within the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills have seen changes, with the hotel opting for a new concept in its lobby area. This trend underscores the evolving nature of the restaurant scene, with establishments adapting to meet changing consumer preferences and economic realities.
Despite challenges, there remains a sense of cautious optimism among restaurant owners like Citrin, who believes that while dining out may be becoming increasingly expensive, consumer behavior could eventually normalize. However, with nationwide data indicating a decline in restaurant visits, the industry faces ongoing uncertainties regarding its future trajectory.
