Homeboy Industries

Homeboy and Homegirl Nelson and Jennie at the Homeboy Diner

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Homeboy Industries debuted its newest business venture on Thursday, opening Homeboy Diner on the second floor of City Hall.

The eatery, which was designed by architects Mark Rios and Julie Smith-Clementi of Rios Clementi Hale Studios, measures just 577 square feet. The organization won the right to operate the space when its plan was picked as the best of three proposals submitted last summer.

Offerings will include baked goods and menu items from the Homegirl Cafe in Chinatown and the Homeboy Bakery.

While a visit does require a trip through City Hall's security, the Homeboy Diner is open to the public between 6:30a.m. and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday—and those who haven't done so should certainly use the trip as an excuse to visit the 1928 structure's observation deck.

Funds to build out the Homeboy Diner space and to subsidize its first year came from The Cornerstone Project. “Homeboy Industries has made an outstanding impact in the lives of so many young people in our community,” said Adrian Koehler, the foundation's director. “We are honored that our donation made the opening of Homeboy Diner possible and continues to help Homeboy Industries change lives.”