L.A.’s Restaurant Community Rallies Together to Offer Relief During Wildfires
Several restaurants in the Los Angeles area have rallied together to provide relief for surrounding communities as a slew of wildfires continue to ravage the city.
The local food scene has been hit hard by the fires that have broken out around the L.A. County. Multiple Malibu institutions were destroyed in the Palisades Fire, including Reel Inn, Cholada Thai and Moonshadows. That fire, one of six blazing wildfires that was at 8 percent containment as of Friday, initially broke out in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica.
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Companies have joined in to help restaurants themselves. InKind, which provides upfront capital purchasing food and beverage credit to restaurants, is donating proceeds from e-cards purchased on its site directly to restaurants in its network.
Eateries around the city have been doing their part to help those suddenly finding themselves displaced, whether that be through meals to first responders, offering their restaurant as a shelter or donating profits to relief efforts. Below, find some of the spots that have joined in to help.
Pizzana
Brentwood, Marina Del Rey, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, West Hollywood
The award-winning pizza shop, which has several locations throughout the city, announced it was donating 100 percent of the profits from all L.A. restaurants this weekend to the California Fire Foundation. In an email announcing the donations, the restaurant said: “Los Angeles is our home. It is where we work, where we gather and where our neighbors live. Watching these fires devastate our community has left us heartbroken.”
Yeastie Boys Bagels
Silver Lake, Studio City, Melrose Place, Los Feliz, Venice, DTLA, Highland Park
The iconic L.A. traveling bagel restaurant had several of its trucks stationed and feeding front-line works. The food truck partnered with World Central Kitchen on Thursday to feed those at the Pasadena Convention Center. Yeastie Boys’ Instagram account, presumably from its owner Evan Fox, posted that he also evacuated Wednesday night. “I grabbed my Bar Mitzvah photo album and my passport. Literally nothing else matters. Straight up,” the post said. “Love & gratitude to everyone lending a helping hand and heart. Los Angeles Forever. Best city in the entire world.”
Cafe Tropical
Silver Lake
The Cuban cafe posted to Instagram that it was staying open Wednesday night to offer “a place for people to come get a coffee or just need somewhere to hang.” The cafe also posted videos of its partnership with nonprofit Feed the Streets to make 600 breakfast burritos for firefighters. Feed the Streets said on its Instagram account that its will continue to operate out of Cafe Tropical into next week.
Din Tai Fung
Century City, Glendale, Del Amo, Santa Anita
The beloved Taiwanese chain announced Thursday that all L.A. restaurants would remain open to serve up a “comforting meal.” Friday through Sunday, the Century City, Glendale, Del Amo and Santa Anita locations are offering complimentary takeout meals to firefighters and first responders. “We will continue to take care of our team members, their families, and the first responders,” an Instagram post from the chain said.
DTown Pizzeria
West Hollywood
The Detroit-style pizzeria is offering free pizza slices to firefighters and first responders, according to a post on its social media. It is also offering discounts to evacuees. In addition, it will be donating to L.A. Fire Department.
Irv’s Burgers
West Hollywood
The beloved WeHo burger stand — which returned to the L.A. food scene in 2022 thanks to Off the Menu founder Lawrence Longo and industry backers including WME talent agent and partner Brad Slater and a slew of celebrities — helped out first responders Thursday. The fast food spot reportedly sent burgers and fries to the L.A. Fire Department.
Fat and Flour Bakery
Culver City
The bakery’s DTLA location remained closed on Thursday, however, its Culver City spot was open, offering free food and coffee. The spot said it had bread, pies, cookies and, most importantly for those who might be without electricity, power for anyone who might need somewhere to be or a place to charge devices. The bakery emphasized in an Instagram post that it was donation-only for the day.
Guisados
Boyle Heights, DTLA, Echo Park, West Hollywood, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach, Venice
An Angeleno favorite taco chain, Guisados said it would continue to open with minimal staff to accommodate impacted employees. The restaurants said they’d be donating to local shelters throughout the week.
Jitlada
East Hollywood
The Michelin Guide-feature Thai food spot announced it would offer free food to first responders and firefighters. In an Instagram post, the restaurant said: “To give back, Jitlada is offering free meals to the firefighters and first responders tirelessly working to keep us safe. Your courage inspires us, and this is our way of saying thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Spago
Beverly Hills
Wolfgang Puck’s flagship Beverly Hills restaurant opened Thursday, chipping in to help feed first responders. The restaurant reposted an Instagram story that it was offering free meals to first responders.
The Ruby Fruit
Silver Lake
Sapphic wine bar The Ruby Fruit not only offered those in need of water and Wi-Fi a place to go, it also put out a call to action for donation items including blankets, nonperishable pantry food items and high-quality KN95 masks. In an Instagram post update, the bar wrote: “We’re here, we’re queer, we’ve got water and WiFi and we’re accepting donations: water, canned food/pantry items, clothing, blankets, diapers, food masks… what else ya got??”
Milo & Olive and Huckleberry Cafe
Santa Monica
The Wilshire Boulevard eateries, both hailing from the Rustic Canyon Family of restaurants, are each offering free food to first responders. Pizzeria and bakery Milo & Olive is offering free pizza to first responders, while Huckleberry is offering free burritos. In a joint post on Instagram, the restaurant family urged any displaced community members facing food insecurity to message them for support. They’ve also partnered with L.A. nonprofit It’s Bigger Than Us to deliver meals and resources to those affected by the fires.
Hamburger Habit
West L.A.
This L.A. burger joint is offering free meals to firefighters who have been working throughout the week. In an Instagram post, they wrote: “To our incredible firefighters: We appreciate you and we want to thank you for everything you’re doing to save our city. If you’re in the area, please stop by for a meal on us!”
Kreation Juice
Santa Monica Location
The smoothie and juice chain, an L.A. staple with over 20 locations across the city, is offering relief at its 1023 Montana Ave. location, according to an Instagram post from the company. The cafe is offering firefighters, first responders and anyone who lost their house in the wildfires a free meal at that specific Santa Monica location.
Anajak Thai Cuisine
Sherman Oaks
The Los Angeles-based Thai restaurant is currently donating meals to shelters and refueling stations. It is also open for business for displaced people and first responders. In a social media post, the restaurant said: “Honestly, just trying to cook what we can for the people that need it. Staying open to cook for the community and first responders.”
Dog Haus
Pasadena
Dog Haus’ original Pasadena location has announced it is offering free Haus Dogs to anyone who has been displaced by the fires. In a statement, the restaurant said, “Our hearts go out to those who have been displaced by the Eaton Canyon wildfire. During this challenging time, Dog Haus Pasadena, our original location, is here to help.” The offer will be while supplies last and requires no purchase necessary to receive the free Haus Dog. The restaurant is also offering free meals for firefighters all throughout Los Angeles. The addresses of all participating locations can be found here here.
Panda Express
Los Angeles
The restaurant chain Panda Express is offering free meals to firefighters and emergency responders throughout the impacted zones in L.A. until Sunday. An ID must be shown to redeem the free offer. In a statement, the company said, “Panda is grateful to the brave men and women keeping our communities safe.”
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Los Angeles & Ventura counties
The coffee chain has announced it is offering free brewed coffee or tea (hot or iced) to first responders at locations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The offer is valid from Jan. 10-17. An ID will need to be shown in person to redeem the offer. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf shared in a statement: “It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do to protect and serve our community.”
Met Her At A Bar, Met Him At A Bar and Her Thai
Mid-Wilshire
The trio of restaurants along La Brea, owned by a husband and wife duo, is remaining open for normal business hours, offering space for families to collect and gather and a free meal for all first responders. The restaurants are also dropping off meals at fire stations around the city.
Augie’s On Main
Santa Monica
The popular Santa Monica-based restaurant is open for donations, offering discounts to those who donate. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact during this difficult time. Thank you for standing with us and for your generosity,” the restaurant said in an email to customers.
The Benjamin Hollywood
Hollywood
The Melrose Ave restaurant is donating 100 percent of its profits to wildfire relief efforts from Jan. 10-11.
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele
Long Beach, Hollywood, Santa Barbara
The popular pizzeria is donating 100 percent of its profits from all locations (including New York City) to the Los Angeles Fire Department, California Fire Foundation and Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund. The restaurant also is collecting toys at its SoCal locations to offer comfort for displaced families.
The Surfrider
Malibu
The restaurant’s team is bringing an In-N-Out food truck to Will Rogers Park on Monday (Jan. 13), offering food, cookies and beverages. The event is meant to bring the community together and express gratitude for first responders. The restaurant urged community members to share the event’s details with crews in the area.
Bacari
Beverly Hills, Silver Lake, West Adams, Playa Del Rey, Glendale, West 3rd, Sherman Oaks
The popular L.A. chain is offering free meals to first responders at all locations. In addition to the complimentary meals, Bacari donated 20,000 meals through the Los Angeles Food Bank to support those impacted by the fires.
Mother Wolf
Hollywood
The industry-favorite Hollywood restaurant has reopened as of Jan. 10, hoping it “can be a place of comfort” amid the terrible situation, according to an Instagram Story. The restaurant is offering free pizza to firefighters or first responders who come to the restaurant with credentials.
Florence Osteria & Piano Bar
West Hollywood
The new Italian restaurant, which overtook the space formerly occupied by Nic’s on Beverly, is donating all profits directly to the L.A.F.D., the California Fire Foundation and the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund. The Beverly Boulevard restaurant is also collecting donations of new toys for families impacted by the fires.
Pollo Campero
Los Angeles
The fast food restaurant chain will be supporting active firefighters during this time. Firefighters can either visit in person while wearing their uniform or present their badge and they will receive a free meal. A list of locations can be found here.
Tender Greens
Los Angeles
The healthy food chain will be helping active first responders. They are offering free meals to all active first responders. The free meals are offered in all Los Angeles based locations (here). The offer lasts until the end of the month.
Tocaya
Los Angeles
The Venice-based chain will be offering free meals to active first responders in all Los Angeles-based locations (here). The offer will last until the end of the month. To see the list of all Los Angeles locations, click
Pijja Palace
Echo Park
The Los Angeles-based restaurant will be offering free Desi smashburgers (beef or veggie) and Peri Peri fries for all displaced people and first responders. The offer will take place on Jan. 15 and 16. In a statement, the restaurant said, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent Los Angeles fires. To those who’ve lost their homes, belongings, or had their lives turned upside down, we’re thinking of you.”
McDonald’s
Pasadena
McDonald’s will be offering free happy meals to all displaced people and first responders. The offer is through the McDonald’s app and will go from Jan. 13 through Jan. 16. All participating locations can be found here
Along with the free happy meal, on Jan. 14 McDonald’s will also be deploying the McDonald’s McRig and McDonald’s Snack Truck in Southern California. The McRig will be at the Rose Bowl and will serve first responders. The McRig will be deployed from Tuesday Jan. 14 until Saturday Jan. 18 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., however, on Wednesday it will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The McDonald’s Snack Truck will be deployed throughout the valley and be helping displaced people. The McDonald’s Snack Truck will be located at 13501 Osborne Street on Tuesday and Wednesday and then will move to the North Valley Caring Services for the rest of the week.
Wahlburgers
Hollywood
Wahlburgers will be providing free meals to all first responders at its Los Angeles location. The offer will last until Tuesday Jan. 14. In a statement, the restaurant chain said, “The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant devastation, but our city’s resilience shines through in its ability to unite and lift each other up.”
Pasta Sisters
West Los Angeles
Since Jan. 8, the local Italian family-owned small business has been providing daily meals to first responders. They’ve been doing this work through Nourish LA, and have served hundreds of meals a day.
Robeks
Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino counties
Robeks began providing free medium smoothies to firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, police officers and other emergency personnel on Jan. 14. The offer is available in store throughout the counties listed above. ID must be presented if personnel are not in uniform.
Snibbs
Los Angeles County
The Lime Truck, the food truck by Snibbs co-founder èDaniel Shemtob, will be partnering with the World Central Kitchen to deliver free food and shoes to first responders and displaced people. This effort will begin on Jan. 16-17 and will consist of 3-4 pop-up locations, starting with The Rose Bowl. More locations are set to come later. They are calling upon displaced people to fill out this form in order to receive this free offer. Donations can also be made here to support this effort.
Genghis Cohen
Fairfax
The Los Angeles-based restaurant has been providing meals to first responders since the fires began. They’ve donated their food to the World Central Kitchen, The Dream Center and multiple fire stations throughout the city. Additional donations are welcome at this Venmo link. In a statement, the restaurant said: “We are all in this together and will continue to do what we do best — feed people. Stay safe everyone!”
ètra + Café Telegrama
Melrose Hill
Sister hot spots ètra and Café Telegrama are contributing to the wildfire efforts. Both cafes are offering free meals to displaced people and first responders. In the coming weeks, ètra will partner with a wine brand to raise donations for wildfire relief, with more details about the partnership coming soon.
Giadzy
From Jan. 16-17, Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian pantry e-commerce brand will donate 100 percent of profits to the World Central Kitchen.
Queen St.
Eagle Rock
The seafood-inspired restaurant announced on Instagram that they will be doing a Fried Chicken Weekend from Jan. 17-19. All of the proceeds will be donated to Eaton Fire relief.
Bar Louie
In all locations across California, Bar Louie will be offering a free burger or sandwich to all first responders and emergency personnel. The offer is only for dine-in. First responders and emergency personnel include firefighters, police officers, EMTs, nurses, doctors, hospital staff, disaster response teams and utility workers. A valid ID must be shown when redeeming the offer. (The Big Louie Burger is excluded from this offer. Guests can upgrade to an Impossible Patty for an additional $4.)
Chuck E. Cheese
Los Angeles County
The famous restaurant chain will be offering an hour of free-to-play to displaced people who lived in the zip codes that were most impacted by the wildfires, and it is offered to the families of first responders as well. This offer will go from Jan. 21 until Jan. 23. The offer is available in the following addresses listed below:
Pasadena, 3737 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
Puente Hills, 17585 Colima Road, City of Industry, CA 91748
Glendale, 2700 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041
Chuck E. Cheese is also partnering with Round It Up America for the benefit of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. The partnership will last from Jan. 21 to Feb. 21. to help collect donations for the communities in need. Chuck E. Cheese has also listed nine locations to serve as donation centers for families in need. They are requesting new toys, stuffed animals, clothing, including pajamas and undergarments, jackets and shoes for kids ages 5-12. They will also be donating Chuck E. Cheese toys, activity books and games. Donation center locations are listed below:
Torrance, 16920 Prairie Ave., Torrance, CA 90504
Cerritos, 11231 183rd St., Cerritos, CA 90703
Pasadena, 3737 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
West Hills, 22940 Vanowen St., West Hills, CA 91307
Placentia, 2300 N. Rose Dr., Placentia, CA 92870
Bell, 5089 E. Florence Ave., Bell, CA 90201
Burbank, 930 N. San Fernando Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
Puente, 17585 Colima Road, City of Industry, CA 91748
Corona, 191 N. McKinley St., Corona, CA 92879
Uchi
West Hollywood
The Japanese restaurant is offering free meals to first responders and families who have been displaced by the fires. The offer is available anytime between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m, while supplies last. The meal options are listed below:
Karaage Chicken
Wagyu Beef Gyudon
Market Vegetable Curry
*All these meals are complete with rice & edamame.
Along with the free meals, all Uchi, Uchiko, and Uchibā throughout the country will donate proceeds from all hama chili sales. The donations will run from Jan. 16 to Jan. 19, and the proceeds will go to the World Central Kitchen and L.A. Fire Department Foundation.
This is a developing story.
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