Restaurants Destroyed by Fires in Malibu and Altadena: Impact on L.A. County
In a devastating turn of events, a series of fires ripped through wide swaths of L.A. County, leaving behind a trail of destruction that included beloved restaurants in Malibu and Altadena. The iconic Reel Inn, Gladstones, Moonshadows, and several others fell victim to the flames, leaving owners and patrons alike in shock and disbelief.
Heartbreaking Losses and Uncertain Futures
The Reel Inn, a seafood landmark perched at the corner of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway for nearly four decades, was one of the casualties. Owners Andy and Teddy Leonard, who had hoped to negotiate a new lease with state officials, now face the harsh reality that their beloved restaurant may never be rebuilt.
Teddy Leonard expressed her fears, not just for the physical structure of the restaurant, but for the dedicated staff who have been part of the Reel Inn family for over 30 years. The couple has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their employees during this uncertain time, highlighting the deep bonds that exist within the restaurant community.
Community Resilience and Hope for Rebuilding
Amidst the devastation, stories of resilience and hope emerge. Perry’s Joint, a Black-owned sandwich shop in Pasadena, stands as a beacon of strength, while the Little Red Hen Coffee Shop faces the daunting task of rebuilding from the ground up. Side Pie, a beloved pizzeria recognized by Times critic Bill Addison, suffered a charred fate, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the fires.
However, amidst the ashes, signs of hope flicker. New establishments like Bernee, spearheaded by the team behind All Time, offer a glimmer of optimism for the future of dining in L.A. County. The unwavering spirit of the restaurant community, coupled with the outpouring of support from patrons and neighbors, serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
As the community grapples with the losses and looks towards the daunting task of rebuilding, one thing remains certain: the culinary landscape of L.A. County may have been forever altered, but the spirit of unity and determination among its residents will endure.
