Downtown Eating Evolution

By Eric Richardson
Published: Monday, August 14, 2006, at 02:28PM

Eric Richardson

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Downtown eating scene has definitely evolved over the past few years, particularly with the proliferation of places popping up in the Historic Core. I think it's interesting, though, to take a look at how food choices are changing in the business district as well.

Last month I mentioned that the 7th/Flower Burger King has closed. In that same post I noted that I had heard rumors the McDonalds across the street would suffer a similar fate. As of yesterday it closed permanently, with a note in the window directing patrons to either City National Plaza or 7th and Hill. The rumor I heard had the building owners hoping to attract a nicer restaurant or a bar into the space.

So 7th/Flower -- a busy pedestrian corner with lots of office space nearby -- has now lost La Salsa, Great Steak and Potato (both to Roosevelt Lofts construction), McDonalds and Burger King. 6th/Grand lost its Carls Jr. to residential construction (though it is slated to return). Of the traditional fast food places there is still a McDonalds in City National Plaza and a Carls Jr. in Macy's Plaza but both are underground and invisible from the street.

At the same time, alternative fast food places are on the rise. 6th/Hope picked up Wolfgang Puck Express, Subway, Loose Leaf, Juice it Up! and Mitaki. 7th/Hope got Camile's and Qdoba. City National picked up a few off-beat eateries as well.

Is this a trend? Are the traditional players losing out? Or is this all just the result of peculiarities in buildings and leases?

Comments

Scott Topiol writes:

I was in downtown this past Saturday and made a similar observation. Although downtown is still a bit of a graveyard during late afternoons on weekends, I have noticed several new restaurants and high-quality shops beginning to dot the landscape just outside of the business core and bordering the historic district. Hopefully this trend continues and the revitalization of downtown's more historic areas will find its way to a successful conclusion.

# on Aug.14.2006 AT 03:40 PM

Rico A writes:

I'm glad there are "alternative" places coming Downtown. There's nothing more that I hate than paying for a vacation in another city only to find McDonalds, Burger King, and Subway. Variety is good, especially if it makes LA stand out among other cities (albeit in the fast-food department).

Does anyone know where the FamiMa!! will open in Downtown?

# on Aug.15.2006 AT 08:43 AM

Scott Mercer writes:

I heard a rumor that Famima was possibly going to along Figueroa, possibly 8th and Figueroa, which puts its squarely between the Financial District and South Park. That's about 10 blocks away from where I live, so I hope that's wrong.

# on Aug.15.2006 AT 01:16 PM

Scott Mercer writes:

I'm glad I ate at that McDonald's a few months ago. That was the first time I ever ate there, and now it's gone.

I see that Burger King is still empty. Any rumors about what's up with that space?

# on Aug.15.2006 AT 01:18 PM