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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.
Knead to expand donut empire with new location in Signal Hill
Since opening in 2017, Knead Donut owners and father-and-daughter team Huey and Amy Behuynh have introduced Long Beach to not only its best donuts but the way in which the Cambodian community has influenced donut making region wide—and now, they are expanding their donut-shaped footprint by opening a fourth location in Signal Hill, following one in Cerritos and another near Pacific Coast Highway location at Clark.
The new location–taking over the former Chinese Combo space at 2160 E. Willow St.—is something the Behuyns couldn’t pass up.
“My dad wanted that place for so many years and the property manager hit us up last year—he couldn’t say no to it,” Amy said. “We will hopefully be open by September.”
Chipotle to open Bixby Knoll location in July
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—and according to What Now Los Angeles, is set to open in July. The space was supposedly a Carl’s for nearly half a century and abruptly closed up shop in 2023.
Our Spot Coffee searches for popup opportunities, potential future permanent home
The coffee scene is Long Beach is pure absurdity in the best way possible—look for my guide to Long Beach coffee essentials in the upcoming days—but that doesn’t remotely mean there isn’t room for more. And Our Spot, which has already been slowly making a name for itself through various popups after leaving its home of Portland. Owner Chris McColl is hoping to collaborate with existing restaurants and breweries in the form of a temporary popup.
“As a coffee professional and consultant with a 12-plus-year pedigree, I could bring a ton of value in helping curate community and bring your business additional revenue and value—especially in hours the business isn’t currently open or isn’t operating at full capacity.
“I’d bring in all of my own equipment and products while my power, space, and other needs would be quite minimal. Feel free to look us up on instagram for more insight to who we are and what we’re seeking to create. If you have any interest, shoot me a DM so we could chat more on how we could make something happen. Alternatively, if you know anyone that would be interested or could use a community-focused coffee pop up, please send them my way.”
Coffee Parlor in East Long Beach is hiring
Speaking of coffee…
One of the city’s best coffee shops (along with likely taking the title of East Long Beach’s best coffee shop), Coffee Parlor, is hiring. “I’m looking for kitchen staff for COPA and baristas,” said owner Josh Knight, who also owns Pizza Parlor next door. “Pay is good, tips are good. Win, win.” Knight is specifically looking for a kitchen line cook and prep/cook for the back and baristas. Baristas will work front of house and expediter.
Please email us at Jobs@coffeeparlorlb.com with your resume.
Berry Brand shutters Long Beach location
After two short years in the Bixby Village Plaza near CSULB (where they suffered break-ins following a string of burglaries last year), Berry Brand has shuttered its Long Beach location. In a statement on Instagram following their last day on May 31, owners noted it is “with a heavy heart” that they close.
“We cannot begin to explain how grateful we are for all the support, and we have had such an incredible experience serving you. From the late night acai runs with friends, to study rewards during midterms, or a delicious treat during your work shift. We are thankful to be a part of your memories the way you have been a part of ours. We hope to see you in the future at our Grand Opening of Berry Brand Torrance.”
Meanwhile, their Cerritos, Tustin, and Ontario stores remain open.
Hiccups opens second location
The group behind Magnette and Buvons—known as The 1145 Group—have renovated the six-unit space at 4100 E. Anaheim (and an attached building at its corner, 1234 Belmont Ave.) that used to be home to a dilapidated bird store and empty storefronts. Each of the units range from 500 to 600 feet with a shared patio. Those interested can directly DM The 1145 Group on Instagram.
La Torre Empanadas opens in Seal Beach
Our neighbor to the south has a new empanada joint, La Torre in Seal Beach. In a small opening statement, the small space said, they will be “featuring our flakey sourdough, crust made here on premise by our master baker. We have breakfast empanadas in the morning and a selection of savory empanadas for lunch and dinner. Also serving fresh, hot, dark roast coffee, cold brew, and hand crafted sodas.”
ICYMI: Long Beach Food Scene Week 2024 kicks off with over 50 restaurants participating
It is with great pride that I announce Long Beach Food Scene Week 2024 will kick off come Aug. 9 through Aug. 18—and will feature the city’s best restaurants as over 50 spaces have confirmed their participation for the second year of the annual event.
During Long Beach Food Scene Week, diners will have the opportunity to experience our city’s top restaurants in ways they aren’t able to on the regular: Some restaurants will use the week to flex and experiment, testing out new dishes; some will come with an entirely new prix fixe menu; some might simply offer discounts on already-loved items. The major point is to drive diners toward these spaces during the month—August—where restaurants often see their lowest sales.
To see the full list of restaurants, click here.
ICYMI: Pancho’s Long Beach isn’t under new ownership; it was formally passed to family
Pancho’s Long Beach—the Mexican restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway just south of Clark Avenue—recently posted a notice of change in ownership. That prompted some concern that the family had pushed out of the business.
But fear not: Pancho’s Long Beach is very much remaining in the hands of the Flores family. It’s being passed onto Francisco’s niece and nephew.
ICYMI: Baby Gee Bar and new summer menu reflect this Long Beach gem beyond the accolades
Baby Gee Bar has had many reasons to celebrate—they’ve been recognized not just once but twice by the coveted and prestigious Spirited Awards while co-owner and lead bar maestro Gianna Johns scored recognition from the respected Star Chefs earlier this year—but when it comes down to it, they’re a Long Beach bar through and through.
And that very much includes their newly minted summer menu.
