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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.
StormBurger is opening in the coming weeks
The much-hyped, Inglewood-born chain—which opened its first location in an abandoned Church’s drive-thru on La Brea—is going to repeat its strategy. After announcing they will be opening its first Long Beach location inside a—you guessed it—former Church’s drive-thru last year, officials have said that the city can expect the brick-and-mortar to finally open its doors the first quarter of this year.
The space at 5801 Cherry Ave. saw Church’s shutter in December of 2024, the very month Storm Burger opened its doors in Inglewood.
Reinne’s Place is taking huge steps toward openings its brick-and-mortar
Reinne’s Place is taking huge steps toward its formal backing from a pop-up into an actual brick-and-mortar, as owner Tommy Le said we can expect the coffee shop to open “in the coming months.”
Birthed out of tragedy—in October of 2022, Tommy and his wife, Reinne, were struck by a drunk driver traveling on the wrong side of the freeway, later claiming the life of Reinne—the coffee shop is both a literal living memorial and a space for those to grasp this thing we call life. Customers are encouraged to leave notes on paper checks, ranging from apologies to I-Miss-Yous to simply a name.
Look for the full feature once Tommy opens his doors.
Akii Sushi broke into—again
Akii Sushi, right next to Pita Pitaki at the northwest corner Cherry and Wardlow, had been broken into again earlier this week. Long Beach Food Scene member Stevie Cannone shared the news, stating, “Let’s show them some love. We just had lunch here, and they’re always amazing with great food.”
Zarape will open in Belmont Shore on Feb. 2
Belmont Shore will be the epicenter of elevated Mexican cuisine as Zarape opens its doors on Feb.2. The West Hollywood-based taqueria, owned by Oneismo Mendez, will be “high-end bu
Mooney’s Pizza continues to take steps toward opening
Hal Mooney’s pizza journey has been a wild one: For those captivated by his refurbishing of an old Hof’s Hut at 8105 E. Wardlow Rd. on Instagram, his work is finally reaching its full fruition. Stylized in a 1960s manner—complete with cushioned seating and pendant lights—the space will focus on midwest tavern-style pizza and a few Detroit-style pies, all using their own house starter culture, dubbed “Ruzu,” for its dough. Add some beer and wine and you have yourselves a fine East Long Beach destination.
Look for my full feature in the coming months.
Zarape will open in Belmont Shore on Feb. 2
Belmont Shore will be the epicenter of elevated Mexican cuisine as Zarape opens its doors on Feb.2. The West Hollywood-based taqueria, owned by Oneismo Mendez, will be “high-end but casual, not cheap but not outrageously expensive.” Zarape took over the former Rubio’s space at 2nd Street and Roycroft Avenue.
Look for the full feature in the coming weeks.
ICYMI: From car-shattered walls to shared tables: Long Beach’s food community steps up for SALA
So honored to be a part of and proud for our Long Beach food community. After just a day of strategizing and connecting, Chef Rob White, the owner of Hartland’s at 1900 Ocean Blvd., has offered Chef Melissa Ortiz his space entirely for free in order to support SALA after a car crashed into their building.
Chef Mel will be at Hartland’s on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25. Each day, 4PM to 5PM will be wine hour while 5PM to 10PM will be food service. Everything will be à la carte; get as much or as little as you want. I will be there as well to help greet, pour wine, and make everyone feel welcome on top of SALA staff, a vinyl DJ, and more. Shout-out also to Chef Jason Witzl of Ellie’s and Chef Luis Navarro of Lola’s for stepping up in the donation game.
All the proceeds are going directly to SALA to pay for the staff’s wages while closed, continue to pay the vendors (also small businesses), and to continue to keep the business afloat. For those unable to attend the food, a GoFundMe has been set up.
For the full article, click here.
ICYMI: Ammatoli and Gusto are (yet again) semifinalists for prestigious James Beard awards
Long Beach food scene making Long Beach proud: Ammatolí and Gusto are both named on the prestigious James Beard Awards’ semifinalist list. Gusto enters for Outstanding Bakery, its third time on the list while Ammatoli enters an entirely new category after placing in the Besf Chef in California semifinals two years ago. Chef Dima and her crew are being potentially awarded in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
Click here for the full article.
ICYMI: Devi’s Donuts in Long Beach—like many food spaces—just needs the community to come out
Like many businesses, Devi’s Donuts—the Zaferia sweet house that was birthed in the pandemic—is facing an uphill battle getting customers through the door. But they strongly believe their love of their donuts and business is worth holding onto. Check ‘em out.
