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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, is developing, or repeated news where you might have missed the full features.

Former, current employees allege wage theft at Padre/Mezcalero as owner moves to open Toma

Former and current employees at Padre/Mezcalero—the space which has been set for demolition since 2021 after it was announced a developer would build a residential building in its place—allege that its owner, Jay Krymis, has not fully compensated employees. This is amid the build-out of his new space, Toma, which is taking over the former Lupe’s space in DTLB.

In an Instagram post now gone viral from hospitality representative Bryant Orozco, comments from former workers allege thousands of dollars in unpaid front/back of house labor and tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid management labor. Krymis, responding under the Mezcalero Instagram handle, responded and encouraged employees to directly message him with any financial grievances.

“As we have been kicked out of the building we have paid off everyone in full,” Krymis commented as Mezcalero. “We love our staff. Besides a couple of managers that I am taking, too. We don’t know of anyone. The final checks arrived and are there. Please reach out to me directly if you or someone is missing money. We loved that place and will miss it but love our staff more. Please DM me.”

This comes in the wake of Otium, helmed by former French Laundry chef de cuisine Timothy Hollingsworth, shuttered in September amid mass accusations of failing to pay employees.

Selva and Baby Gee Bar are collaborating for dinner

I’ve already extolled the virtues of Chef Carlos Jurado’s incredible “Test Kitchen Tuesday” dinner series at Selva. And this month’s version should prove no joke: Chef Carlos is partnering with cocktail master Gianna Johns of Baby Gee Bar for a nine-course (yes, nine-course) dinner and drink pairing. It all goes down on October 8 at 6PM—click here for tickets.

Construction (finally) moves forward on Chipotle in Bixby Knolls

After a false announcement that the space would be open in July, the construction on the Chipotle on Atlantic Avenue at 36th Street in Bixby Knolls has once again resumed, with signage going up on the building and the last vestige of Carl’s Jr.—it’s star signage on a pole—still standing.

Mamá Juana’s Taqueria to open in Bixby Knolls

Speaking of Bixby Knolls… Boba Loca’s long-shuttered space will make way for a taqueria for Bixby Knolls by the way of Mamá Juana’s Taqueria. Owner Karen Cebreros signed her LLC in August for the space at 3600 Long Beach Blvd.

Five Guys shutters location in Alamitos Bay

Opening in 2011, the Five Guys location at Marina Shores in Alamitos Bay has permanently closed. This is not part of a false claim that all Five Guys would be closing in 2024 as part of a misinformation campaign that swept the internet in 2023. It is, however, likely and/or partly due to the fact that the land is entitled to eventually become demolished to make way for ONNI Marina Shores, a massive residential and commercial complex.

Long Beach Latino Restaurant Week launches

Roberto Carlos Lemus and José Díaz Romero, co-founders of Affluent Hispanic Philanthropies, have officially launched Long Beach Latino Restaurant Week. Here are the participants:

• Ají Peruvian Cuisine (for our feature on them, click here)
• Alli Kaphiy by Mikihuna
• Chile Verde Mexican Food
• Confidential Coffee
• Desperado Cafe Mexican Food
• El Barrio Cantina (for our feature on them, click here)
• El Paisa Colombian Restaurant
• Fior Di Latte Cheese Shop
• Honduras’ Kitchen (for our feature on them, click here)
• La Chancla Mexican Grill (for our feature on them, click here)
• Nova Bakery
• Panini’s Handcrafted Sandwiches
• Ruta 15 (for our feature on them, click here)
• Sushi Nikkei (for our feature on them, click here)
• Tarantella on Fourth
• Telefèric Barcelona (for our feature on them, click here)
• Zook’s Kitchen
• Ubuntu Café

Eddie’s Market wants to rent their kitchen inside

The owner of Eddie’s Market on 4th Street, Romy Snow, is maintaining her husband’s legacy by reopening rent to the inside kitchen, which has been home to pizza, tacos, and pho. Romy said those interested can visit her anytime at the market Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM or call her at 562-481-5897.

Leo’s Mexican Grill on Magnolia in DTLB

Joining the cerveza ranks of its Broadway sister location toward the east, Leo’s Mexican Grill on Magnolia Avenue at 8th Street in DTLB has applied for its beer and wine license. Shout-out to Long Beach Food Scene member and all-around great human Mimi Masher for sharing the news.

El Pollo Loco to shutter Belmont Shore location in December

Opening just one week before the pandemic in 2020 and replacing the former Jack in the Box, employees have said the location at 5252 E. 2nd St. will shutter come December. This follows the newly minted CEO’s five-part plan to push for more growth in the brand nationwide.

Zarape to open Belmont Shore location in May 2025; began clearing out Rubio’s

After announcing that West Hollywood-based higher end Mexican restaurant Zarape would be taking over the former Rubio’s space in Belmont Shore, things have already begun to move forward. Demolition of the space’s interior has started, with Zarape spokesperson Stefano Mozher saying the space is likely to open in May 2025.

ICYMI: The dishes that define the Long Beach food scene

There is no question that the Long Beach food scene has undergone a wild transformation over the past few years—let alone the past decade or more.

While many places have come and gone, Long Beach still has that mingling of legacy restaurants that have withstood the test of time along with newly minted stars that have created some truly remarkable dishes. Together, they create the new definition of what Long Beach food is.

These are an array of dishes that will kind of always be there. (I say “kind of” because, well, life is temporary.) This is by no means a complete list but a great way to start.

For the full list, click here.

ICYMI: DTLB’s Olive & Rose, the new concept from the Heritage crew, unveils menu

I have your first look inside Olive & Rose, the second concept behind the Michelin-starred team at Heritage. It is, indeed, quite sleek and sexy. But perhaps even more awesome is that this is Chef Philip Pretty’s best, most soulful food in quite a while.

I mean, damn near perfect steak frites and roasted chicken entrées are just the tip of this French-meets-Californian menu that is quite stellar.

For the full feature, click here.