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Long Beach Food Scene Intel is a series from Brian Addison that will recap food news throughout the city, both news that needs just a quick mention or repeated news where you might have missed the full features.
Chapter II Coffee opens in Belmont Shore
Chapter II Coffee has officially open its doors after quickly taking over the former Moon Mountain space after it permanently shuttered earlier this year. Owner Porenia Pen, who owns Board House Coffee in Los Angeles, has already put up an extensive breakfast menu that includes a multitude of breakfast sandwiches and plates, along with smoothies, acai bowls, lunch sandwiches and more.
Grill ‘Em All begins to move toward summer opening
The pathway to the complete death of all false burgers is nearing as Grill ‘Em All owner Matthew Chernus shared a newly minted photo of its Horny Corner space. After announcing back in May of 2023 that they would be opening their first Long Beach location, they have taken some small steps—signage went up on the Bayshore concession stand location near the south end of Horny Corner—and some massive steps—like moving their operations entirely out of Alhambra and into Long Beach.
The Pan officially opens its new location after closing in Bixby Knolls
After it was announced in late December of 2023 that Bebe’s Diner, the casual old-school-style diner that took over the old Sizzler spot at 15 Del Amo Blvd. back in December of 2022, had officially closed, The Pan announced it would take over the Bebe’s space. The breakfast space vacated their Bixby Knolls space—due to landlord conflict, according to Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association head honcho Blair Cohn—and has officially opened on Del Amo Boulevard.
V-Burger’s official last day of operation is April 13
After announcing their permanent closure earlier this month, V-Burger—the much-loved vegan burger spot on Cherry Avenue just north of 4th Street—will officially have its last day of service on April 13.
Seaside Creamery officially soft opens in East Long Beach
After announcing their opening in September of 2023, Seaside Creamery has officially soft opened in East Long Beach. The space—inside the small strip mall at the southwest corner of Palo Verde and Atherton near CSULB—is a welcomed addition to the city’s independent ice cream scene, where Long Beach Creamery rightfully dominates and the spawning of La Michoacanas have been a very warmly welcomed addition.
Chipotle’s Bixby Knoll location moves forward in construction
The former Carl’s Jr. at the northeast corner Atlantic Avenue and 37th Street in Bixby Knolls has seen much construction lately as Chipotle continues to convert it into its newest location. The space was supposedly a Carl’s for nearly half a century and abruptly closed up shop in 2023.
SoCal cult fave Baby Bros. Pizza opens first Long Beach location
The Downey-based Baby Bros. Pizza—becoming a local fave after quickly expanding into multiple locations and creating Instagram- and TikTok-able cheese pulls with their dairy-heavy, pepperoni cup-ed pies—has taken over the former Water’s Edge space in Downtown Long Beach.
ICYMI: The essential Long Beach pizza list
My annually updated list of Long Beach’s essential pizza places is up. (And I hear you, I hear you: What about Domenico’s? What about Domenico’s? What about Domenico’s? They’re celebrating 70 years this year and they deserve their own profile—which is coming soon.)
ICYMI: Holey Grail to open location in Belmont Shore
Holey Grail—the Hawai’i based taro donut concept that was birthed out of a food truck before opening multiple brick-and-mortars on the mainland—will be opening its first Long Beach location, taking over the former Earl of Sandwich shop that closed earlier this year.
[…] A Chipotle is currently under construction in Bixby Knolls at the northeast corner Atlantic Avenue and 37th Street. The new store took over the former Carl’s Jr. space, which was supposedly a Carl’s for nearly half a century according to Longbeachize. […]